• prep: 45 min
• cook: 45 min
• total: 1 hr 30 min

servings:

Green beans have a certain suave, slender elegance that makes them a classic accompaniment to rosy-red roast beef. But too often, they get short shrift: a quick drizzle of butter, a squirt of lemon, and onto the table they go. We suggest you coddle them a little this year. Try tossing them in a hot skillet with shallots and pecans that get caramelized in buttery brown sugar, and you'll see just how special green beans can be. Editor's Note: This recipe is part of Gourmet's Modern Menu for A Christmas Classic. Menu also includes Herb-Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes, Carrots, and Pinot Noir Jus and Tiramisu Yule Log .

• 1/2 cup pecan halves and pieces (2 ounces)
• 2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup shallot, finely chopped (about 2 medium)
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

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