Green Beans with Onion and Bacon

Thursday, 27 December 2007 11:19 by Shannon

3 pounds fresh green beans
Juice of 1 lemon
½ pound sliced bacon
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 to 3 tablespoons salted butter (optional)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Cut off ends of green beans (or snap them like the old folks did) and remove the strings. Wash and drain beans. Bring large pot of salted water to boil (about 2 tablespoons salt to 1½ gallons water). Add beans and lemon juice. Boil gently until beans are tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut bacon into small cubes. In large skillet, cook bacon; pour off all but about 2 tablespoons fat. Reduce heat to low; add onion and garlic. Sauté 7 to 10 minutes. Drain beans, reserving about 2 cups cooking water. Add green beans and reserved water to bacon mixture. Stir in butter, if desired; season with salt and pepper. Cover skillet and simmer 5 minutes over low heat. Serve hot.