Description
Summer Corn & Green Beans with Herb Butter is a vibrant and flavorful side dish combining tender green beans and sweet corn kernels tossed in a luscious herb-infused butter. This quick and easy recipe captures the fresh taste of summer vegetables enhanced by fresh parsley, basil, chives, lemon zest, and juice, delivering a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and kernels cut from the cob
Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Add corn kernels: During the last 2 minutes of cooking the green beans, add the fresh corn kernels to the boiling water to cook them simultaneously. This ensures both vegetables are perfectly cooked and retain their vibrant flavor.
- Drain and transfer: Once cooked, drain the vegetables thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl, retaining warmth for optimal herb butter absorption.
- Prepare herb butter: In a separate small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with finely chopped parsley, basil, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Toss vegetables with herb butter: While the green beans and corn are still warm, toss them gently with the herb butter mixture until the vegetables are evenly coated and infused with fresh herb flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a warm side dish or allow to cool to room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen corn if fresh is not in season, adding convenience without compromising flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving adds a savory, umami touch.
