Green Beans with Onions and Garlic

Summer in my neighborhood is wonderful for all the fresh vegetables that are available.  I love to see the baskets of fresh green beans showing up in my grocery store.

It's even better that I have them growing in my little backyard garden as well.  The green beans from my garden are crisp and sweet.  When I am picking them I find it hard to resist popping one or two into my mouth.  They are just so good!

Fresh Green Beans with Onions and Garlic

Delicious Green Beans with Onions and Garlic

Today's recipe is a quick and easy side dish that makes the most of in-season, locally grown vegetables. When beans are so fresh, a great way to cook them is with a quick saute on top of the stove.

I like to blanch green beans for a couple of minutes first, cool them off in a water-bath and drain them before finishing them in a frying pan.  With this technique, you preserve the bright green color, fresh flavor, and crunch.  Your family will find it hard to resist these delicious vegetables.

The fresh young onions from my garden make a nice complement to the beans.  They are mild and sweet.  Add the simple flavors of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and you have a winning side dish.

Simple Ingredients

Green Beans with Onions and Garlic
Printer Friendly Recipe
Serves Four

• four generous handfuls of fresh green beans, stem end trimmed
• 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Fill a medium saucepan with water.  Bring the water to a boil.  Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes. While the beans are cooking, fill a bowl with ice and water making an ice bath.  Drain the beans and place them all at once into the ice bath.  Cool the beans.  Drain them and set aside.

Cool Beans in an Ice Bath

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions all at once.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook the onions for three to five minutes, until just getting soft. 

Add the garlic and cook for one minute.

Add the beans and toss with the onions to distribute the oil and garlic. 

Toss Beans and Onions Together

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the beans are cooked but are still crisp.  Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper, as needed.  Serve hot.

You may enjoy these other vegetable recipes:
Summer Vegetable Medley
How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Baby Spinach with Garlic and Olive Oil

Enjoy!