Make those boring green beans special with just a few added ingredients. Pair up fresh green beans with a little bacon and red onion and you have a truly special vegetable that's simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
2 bacon slices, cut in half
1 lb. fresh green beans or haricot vert (think French green beans)
1/2 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper, optional
1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat; fry bacon; drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.
There should be about 1 T. oil remaining in the skillet. If there is more, drain off the excess, if there is less, add a pat of butter to the skillet. Adjust heat to medium; add green beans; toss with tongs or stir to coat them in the bacon grease. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; cover. Let green beans cook for 2 minutes; stir; cover; cook 2 minutes; stir.
Add onions; toss to combine; cook and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes, just until beans are tender and still a bit crisp. Chop bacon; toss back into the green beans. Remove from the heat.
Serve.
4 servings.
*If using haricot vert, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. The beans should be slightly tender and still have a bit of a bite to them when they are finished cooking.