Sweet & Spicy Green Beans – Recipe!

Green beans are usually a family favorite, especially when it comes to vegetables because there isn’t any bitter taste, or unique texture to overcome. Green beans are mild, which creates an opportunity to add flavor of any kind.  Most green bean recipes are cooked on the stove top for convenience, and call for the usual ingredients – garlic, onions and either olive oil or butter.  However, to create a more inviting dish, add a few pickled jalapenos and some fresh tomatoes for a sweet & spicy touch.

Pickled Jalapenos will not light your socks on fire, but give these green beans a little edge, a boost of flavor.  The tomatoes sweeten the dish and make the whole thing balance out into a wonderful combination of ingredients.

This recipe will become a family favorite and it serves up nicely with any meal, especially at holiday time.  Also, this green bean dish would go nicely with my Oven Braised Chipotle Brisket or Balsamic Glazed Rib Eye recipes.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh green beans, organic preferably

1 clove garlic, smashed

1/2 red onion, diced

1/4 cup store-bought pickled jalapenos, regular or tame

1 tomato

olive oil

salt

pepper

(Serves 4-6)

To Prepare:

1.  Wash and trim ends of green beans.  In a medium pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.  Add diced onion and garlic clove to pot and saute for 5 minutes.

2. Add green beans and another tablespoon of olive oil to pot and saute for an additional 8 minutes.  You do want a little browning, but if the heat is too high, vegetables will start sticking.

3. Dice jalapenos and tomato, while green beans are cooking.  Add jalapenos and tomato to pot and stir to combine.  Add 1/2 cup of water to green beans and cover with lid a jar for 7 minutes.

4. Remove lid from pot and stir.  Continuing cooking green beans uncovered for 2 minutes, or until most of water is absorbed.  Salt and pepper to taste and pour into a serving bowl.  Enjoy!