French Beans

We passed by Unimart this morning and Vicky was delighted to find very fresh French Beans at the vegetable counters.  This bean is a miniature version of the Baguio Bean but costs much more (P480/kilo).  However, when cooked, the resulting crunch is absolutely a wonder to the palate!  Here's a sample of her recipe, which was prepared in just under 30 minutes:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 head of garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped into fine bits

1/4 kilo chopped bacon (her original idea for the recipe called for pancetta but I had to protest as this makes the cost go over the roof)

1/2 kilo French beans, blanched (it helps to take off the fibrous sides by breaking off the tips and stripping the fiber thread off, as this fiber thread makes it quite difficult to chew)

Saute the garlic and the onions in the olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste.  Pop the bacon in the pan and cook until almost golden brown.  Add the French beans and  stir fry in high heat for another 3-5 minutes until cooked.  Serve hot.

We had this for lunch today, and both Monique and I raved at her simple yet so delicious invention.  The dish goes well as a vegetable dish to various meats, including steak and lamb.  Perfect with baked potatoes and sour cream!