A Simple Green Bean and Bacon Sauté Recipe

Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: First, boil a large pot of water. Add some salt. Toss in the green beans and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just a bit tender but still crisp. Drain them and right away put them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. Let them cool off, then drain again and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: Next, in a big skillet or sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat till it's nice and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir every minute so that it cooks evenly. Remove the crispy bits using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Leave around 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and toss the rest or save it for another use.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Using that same skillet with some reserved bacon fat in it, toss in the diced onion. Cook over medium heat till it's see-through; it takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Throw in minced garlic for another minute or so while stirring constantly till it smells great.
4. Sauté Green Beans: Add those blanched green beans to the skillet with onion and garlic, mix them together, and cook for about 3 to 4 more minutes till they are heated through and full of flavor from the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Add Bacon Back In: Now throw back those crispy bacon pieces into the skillet, stirring everything together till well mixed up.
6. Optional Extras: For added flavor, drip lemon juice over your green beans and sprinkle on some sliced almonds or grated Parmesan cheese if you're into that sort of thing.
7. Serve Up: Serve this Green Bean Bacon Sauté immediately while everything's hot; the greens should be tender yet crisp, and don’t let anyone wait.

Tips and Variations

1. Blanching Beans is Key: Blanching helps keep their bright color and nice crunchiness; otherwise, they may end up too soft or hard instead.
2. Bacon Options: You can use turkey instead if looking for a lighter version or switch things up by using pancetta for a gourmet touch.
3. Extra Flavor Hits: Add balsamic vinegar or soy sauce when stir-frying greens; this helps deepen rich flavors.
4. Feeling Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking or drizzle spicy sauce before eating.
5. Yummy Garnishes: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds; even squeezed lemon would balance out the savory meatiness beautifully.
6. Vegetarian Version Possible Too: Without Meat: Use olive oil or butter, then add smoked paprika, making a ‘fake'smoky’ bite.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving):

• Calories: You will get 220 calories with this meal.
• Protein: An amount of 8 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
• Fat: An amount of 15 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 12 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
• Sugars: A 3 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
• Fiber: 4 g of fiber is obtained.
• Cholesterol: 20–25 g of cholesterol are obtained here.
• Sodium: 400 g of sodium is used.