BA’s green bean casserole

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Place rack in middle of oven and preheat to 375°F. Working in batches, cook 2 pounds green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and half way to tenderness, about three minutes per batch. Drain and let cool, trim, stem ends.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Cook half pound Cremini mushrooms, without stirring until golden brown underneath, about two minutes. Toss and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until browned on both sides, about three minutes more. Add 2 tablespoons butter and two large thyme sprigs to pan. Cook, tossing occasionally, until butter browns and mushrooms are dark brown and very tender, about four minutes longer. Season with salt and transfer to a plate. Repeat with 2 tablespoons butter, salt and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and half pound, Cremini mushrooms and two times bricks.

Step 3

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large sauce pan over medium low. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all purpose, flour and cook. whisking occasionally until roux is golden brown and smells mildly nutty, about four minutes. Whisk in 1 1/4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Increase heat and bring to a simmer whisking often and cook until bechamel sauce is thick and bubbling, about five minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in four garlic cloves, finally grated, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly ground

Step 4

Arrange green beans and mushrooms in a 2 quart baking dish. Poor sauce over bean mixture. It may not look like enough, but it will get saucier as it bakes. Cover tightly with foil and bake until sauce is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until casserole is lightly browned on top and around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Top with three-quarter cups French’s fried onions and continue to bake just until onions are slightly darker and fragrant, about three minutes. Let sit 10 minutes to set before serving.