Green Bean Casserole

Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 5 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
2. Make the mushroom sauce
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create the cream sauce
   Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring, then pour in the half-and-half. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Combine ingredients
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the green beans with the mushroom sauce. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the fried onions. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake the casserole
   Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.