Simple green beans, sauteed with onions and garlic.

This recipe was originally created for our Series of Unfortunate Recipes, based on the book and Netflix series by Lemony Snicket.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 pound green beans

1/4 cup coarse salt, plus more if needed

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 cup yellow onions that have been diced small

1 garlic clove, minced (about 1/2 Tablespoon)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a gallon of water to boil in a large pot with the lid on.

2. While waiting for the water to boil, warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and saute until soft, translucent and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and saute briefly until fragrant. Turn the heat off and put the lid on.

3. When the water is boiling, remove the lid and stir in 1/4 cup coarse salt. Add the green beans to the boiling salted water and cook, uncovered, for about 5-8 minutes, until crisp-tender. (Exact cooking time will depend on the size of your green beans; small French haricot vert will require less time than standard American green beans. Watch your green beans, not the clock, and pull them out when they're just done.) 

4. When green beans are done, quickly strain them from the pot and add them to the onions and garlic. Turn the heat to medium-high, tossing everything briefly together. Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

5. Transfer everything to a serving dish, scattering the garlic/onion mixture attractively over the green beans, and serve.

These green beans are great with just about anything, but this recipe was created to be served alongside Lemony Poached Chicken Thighs with Small Potatoes.