[Saturday Sides is a weekly feature I run to help you combat the side dish blahs. Check here Saturdays to see what’s new and different you can add to your dinner table. Or, you can subscribe here so that you never miss a Saturday Sides Recipe.]
As repayment for the non-posting of a Saturday Side for too many weeks I will now give you my numero uno favorite green bean recipe.
What it’s not:
It’s not very healthy.
It’s not pork free.
It’s not super-duper fast.
It’s not incredibly simple.
What it is:
It’s knock-your-panties-off good.
It’s gorgeous.
It’s something you will make for company.
It’s something you should print multiple copies of for your friends because I promise they’ll be asking. On second thought, just write “www.angiespangies.com” down on a piece of paper. It saves time. That way, you can make some more green beans.
O.k. here’s a peek . . .
These are AMAZING! This is the perfect combination of flavors, sort of like a BLT, without the “L” and with a “GB” for green beans . . . so a “BGBT”, um, well, that doesn’t really work, does it? Well, you get the picture. Bacon, green beans, and tomatoes mix together in this slightly crunchy and delicious side to make your taste buds scream – “FEED ME SEYMOUR”.
Please don’t even try to take my word for it, just go make some. Please.
Green Bean Saute with Tomatoes
Adapted from Recipezaar
3 strips bacon, cut into pieces
1 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
After trimming the green beans, wash thoroughly and steam over one inch of boiling water for 5-6 minutes. To learn the vegetable steaming processing read about steaming broccoli in the Citrus Broccoli recipe. Steam the green beans just until the color turns bright green. If you overcook the green beans, the color with become washed out and dull, and they will become mushy.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Did you know that bacon crumbles are much easier to make if you cut the bacon before you cut it? By cutting the bacon into little pieces the bacon cooks faster and you don’t have to try and cut hot, greasy bacon. To be a real kitchen diva, use scissors to cut the bacon. Ingenious!
Look, aren’t they pretty? Ohhh, I think I just felt my cholesterol climb while looking at these little tidbits of heaven. You could use turkey bacon, I suppose. I didn’t do that.
To the bacon drippings, add green beans and saute for 10 minutes. If you prefer your green beans a little on the crunchy side, you can saute them less time. Either way, watch your green beans carefully, and use a moderate heat level, because they can scorch and that’s not tasty at all.
Add the garlic; cook 2 minutes. Don’t let it burn! Burnt garlic is bitter and also not tasty.
Stir in tomatoes, bacon, salt, and pepper. Heat through. I just want you to look at these tomatoes. Some of us, here in the United States, have been without tomatoes more than we choose to be over the last couple of weeks. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all.
Without the pictures:
Green Bean Saute with Tomatoes
3 strips bacon, cut into pieces
1 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
After trimming the green beans, wash thoroughly and steam over one inch of boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels.
To bacon drippings, add green beans and saute for 10 minutes.
Add the garlic; cook 2 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, bacon, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I will add a hearty AMEN to missing the tomatoes. I’ve been using vine tomatoes instead of my beloved Romas for too long!
This recipe looks fantastic, can’t wait to try it.
AmyLs last blog post..Blog Business 6-20-2008
Ooooh, this looks SO GOOD!!! I, too, am missing tomatoes. Doing a taco salad tomorrow, and skipping on the tomatoes.
Boo!!
I KNOW my kids would eat this!! This we will try VERY soon!!! I love it!
This looks so good! Thank you so much for the recipe…I will definitely use this!
Bridgets last blog post..Sweet Swimmer
What a great idea adding the bacon to this colorful and beautiful dish! It looks so simple and great. This is a perfect summer salad!
I’m so glad you are Diva-ing it up in the kitchen with your scissors! I use them too!
White On Rice Couples last blog post..1
I was with you until you said “green beans”
Bacon makes everything better doesn’t it????
This really sounds wonderful. Will try it tonight for dinner.