Almost Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients (12)

• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped shallot (2 to 3 medium shallots)
• 12 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, rinsed free of debris, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons flour (I used whole wheat, use all-purpose gluten-free flour for gluten-free casserole)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups crushed Kettle Brand Organic Potato Chips with Sea Salt