Sauteed Green Beans

This sounds ridiculous, but before coming to India, I had never cooked fresh green beans before. I always used canned, or frozen, which are similar to fresh but are already partially cooked. So as embarrassing as it is, I actually Googled "how to cook fresh green beans" and came away with some Pioneer Woman inspiration.

So in case anyone out there has also never cooked fresh green beans before, here's my go to method! I love adding a sprinkle of the bacon bits I brought from America, but if you don't have any, you could also saute some fresh chopped onion and red pepper along with the green beans to add good flavor.

Sauteed Green Beans

250 grams fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut in half

1-2 TBS olive oil

1/4 cup water

Sprinkle of bacon bits (or onions and peppers)

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet that has a lid. When hot, add green beans (and onions/peppers, if using). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let sit for a minute, then stir around. Saute in the oil for 3-4 minutes. Then pour the water into the skillet and cover with lid. You might need to turn the heat down a little bit. Let the green beans "steam" in the covered pan for about 10 minutes total. I usually stir halfway through. When they've reached your desired softness, remove the lid, and sprinkle in the bacon bits, if using. Continue to saute for another minute or so until all the water has cooked off and bacon flavor is evenly dispersed :)