Wrapped with a chive, these Vegetarian Green Bean Bundles will add a "wow" factor to a special meal. Drizzled with garlic browned butter, they make a spectacular side dish.
Wash and trim the beans by snapping off the stem end.
Divide the beans into 4 portions (about 12 beans each). Lay a long chive on your work surface and place one portion of beans and three red pepper strips across it. Wrap the chive around the bundle and carefully tie a knot to secure it.
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pan with a steamer basket. Steam the bundles for 3 - 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet. Add the minced garlic and swirl just until the butter browns, about 2 - 3 minutes. Add olive oil.
Transfer green bean bundles to a serving platter and drizzle with the garlic butter. Serve immediately OR keep the steamed bundles warm in a low oven (225°F) for up to 20 minutes and add the warm garlic butter just before serving.
Notes
These bundles are ideal for making ahead. Trim the beans, slice the peppers and tie them up in bundles of 10 - 12 beans with a chive ribbon.Then all you'll have to do is cook the bundles and drizzle them with warm garlic butter before serving.You can even make the garlic butter ahead and refrigerate it until you cook the beans.