posted by Polar Bear 06-16-103 1:11 PM
Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
1 lb fresh thin green beans (haricot verts)
1 med onion
1 c buttermilk
1 tsp cayenne
1 tbsp salt (divided)
1-1/2 tsp black pepper (divided)
2 c + 2 tbsp unbleached flour (divided)
6 c vegetable oil (for frying)
3 tbsp butter
8 oz mushrooms
1 c light cream (or 1/2 c each milk and heavy cream)
Trim green beans and cut into 1 inch pieces; cook in salted boiling water to cover until just tender, about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and drain while preparing recipe.
Slice onion thinly and cut in eighths; stir in buttermilk, cayenne, 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper; let stand 10 minutes and drain (discard marinade). Toss 1/4 onions with 2 c flour; shake to remove excess. Fry in 360 degree oil until crisp and browned, about 2 minutes; drain on paper towels, sprinkling with 1/8 tsp salt. Fry remaining onions in three batches.
Cut mushrooms in 1/4 inch dice. Saute in butter with remaining 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper until liquid evaporates, 10 to 15 minutes. Add 2 tbsp flour and saute until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually stir in light cream and cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
Combine beans, mushroom sauce and 3/4's the onions. Spread in a lightly greased 10 inch square baking dish; sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake 15 minutes in 400 degree oven. Broil briefly, until golden brown. Serve immediately.