Mustard Sauced Green Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
• 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
• 2/3 cup sherry wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 4 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed

Directions

1. 1

   1. In a large skillet, toast the mustard seeds over moderately high heat, shaking the pan frequently, until they pop and start to brown, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

2. 2

   2. Add the shallots, sherry vinegar and water to the skillet and simmer over moderately low heat until the liquid is reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 12 minutes. Add the cream and simmer over moderate heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature, then stir in the butter, mustard and toasted mustard seeds. Season with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the green beans until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the beans, pat dry and transfer to a large bowl. Add the mustard-seed butter, season with salt and pepper; toss and serve.

4. 4

   Make Ahead.

5. 5

   The mustard-seed butter can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Let the butter return to room temperature before using. The cooked green beans can be refrigerated overnight; blanch in boiling water or steam until heated through.