Green Bean and Pearl Onion Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 2 cups white pearl onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups assorted wild mushrooms, sliced (oyster, cremini, shiitake, or any other type of mushroom)
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (6 ounce) can French fried onion rings

Directions

1. 1

   Blanch the green beans and pearl onions by placing them into a large pot of rapidly boiling water. Cook them for 2 minutes, until the green beans brighten in color.

2. 2

   Remove the vegetables from the boiling water, then plunge in ice water to stop the cooking process.

3. 3

   Drain them, then remove the skins from the onions and set aside.

4. 4

   Coat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Over medium heat, cook the shallot and garlic down until caramelized. Add bay leaves, then the mushrooms; stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme and then sprinkle the mixture with flour.

5. 5

   Add the milk a little at a time and boil for 3 minutes to thicken.

6. 6

   Place green beans and onions in a 2-quart casserole dish. pour mushroom mixture over the green beans; toss to make sure well coated.

7. 7

   Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Top with fried onions and bake 10 minutes more.