The French green beans (haricot vert) are best in this recipe. Bacon, onions, sweet red peppers, balsamic vinegar, and wine give a sweet and sour, smoky flavor to the beans. If you cannot find them fresh or frozen, use the thinnest green beans you can find. Roasted red peppers (your own or jarred) may be substituted for the fresh bell pepper.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh (or frozen) French green beans (haricot vert)
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 small sweet onion, sliced thin
- 1/4 sweet red bell pepper (capsicum), diced (see note)
- 1/2 cup sweet red wine (such as Lambrusco)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Steam green beans (haricot vert) until crisp tender.In a large non-stick skillet, gently saute bacon with onions and red bell pepper until bacon is cooked but not crispy and onions are limp and lightly browned. Add sweet red wine and balsamic vinegar. Cook an additional 1 minute. Add steamed green beans and stir-fry over medium-high heat about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Yield: 6 servings
Note: You may substitute an equivalent amount of roasted red peppers for the fresh red bell pepper if you wish. Add last with the green beans so they don't fall apart.
Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
