Green Beans with Hazelnut Butter

[norgeskog]

I love this recipe, probably because I love toasted hazelnuts.

GREEN BEANS WITH HAZELNUT BUTTER

3 Tbs unsalted butter, softened (I use salted butter and omit salt)
2 Tbs finely chopped shallots (about 1 small)
1/2 tsp finely grated fresh lemon zest
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt (taste before adding if using salted butter)
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted with skins rubbed off, finely chopped
1-1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed

Stir together butter, shallot, zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Add toasted hazelnuts and stir until combined well.

Cook green beans in a 4-5 qrt pot of salted water, unovered until just tender, 5-8 minutes. Drain beans in a colander, then return hot beans to pot and toss with hazelnut butter. Serves 4