Recipe of Green beans with bacon

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of spice)
• Zest of one lemon for a zesty twist (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Blanch the Green Beans: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the green beans. Boil for 2-3 minutes until the beans turn bright green. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

2. 2

   Crisp Up the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they become crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the bacon grease behind.

3. 3

   Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

4. 4

   Combine and Cook: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Toss everything together, allowing the green beans to absorb the delicious flavors. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the green beans are tender yet still crisp.

5. 5

   Crispy Finish: Just before serving, return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet. Toss everything one last time to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed.

6. 6

   Serve: Transfer the Green Beans with Bacon to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle lemon zest and fresh parsley over the top for a burst of brightness and color.