Fresh string beans steamed right on top of lots of bacon, butter and onions that have been cooked down until soft and sweet. The beans soak up all the flavor as they steam. Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb fresh green string beans, ends trimmed
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large, wide pot or deep skillet with a lid, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it has rendered and is starting to crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Add the butter and the sliced onions. Stir and cook over medium-low, stirring now and then, until the onions are soft, golden and sweet, about 15 minutes.
- Pile the trimmed beans on top of the bacon and onions. Do not stir them in.
- Cover tightly and steam over medium-low for about 20 minutes, until the beans are tender. Add a splash of water if the bottom starts to stick.
- Uncover, toss everything together, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook's Notes:
- The bacon is salty, so taste before you add salt.
- For crisper beans, steam 12 to 15 minutes. For soft, Southern-style beans, go the full 20 or a little longer.
- To double, use 4 lb beans, 2 lb bacon and 4 onions in your biggest pot, and allow a few extra minutes of steaming.