Green Beans with Bacon

Certainly! Here’s a simple recipe for green beans with bacon:

Green Beans with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Juice from 1/2 a lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
   • Wash the green beans and trim the ends. You can leave them whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy and the fat has rendered. If you’re using a lean bacon, you may need to add a little olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
3. Add Onion and Garlic (Optional):
   • If using chopped onion, add it to the bacon in the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Blanch the Green Beans:
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the green beans.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the bacon, onion, and garlic. Toss to combine.
6. Season and Sauté:
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the green beans with the other ingredients for about 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
7. Add Butter and Lemon Juice:
   • Just before serving, add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to coat the green beans evenly, allowing the butter to melt and the lemon juice to add a refreshing zing to the dish.
8. Serve:
   • Transfer the green beans with bacon to a serving dish and serve them hot.

Enjoy your green beans with bacon as a flavorful and delicious side dish!