Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 200 g thick-cut bacon, diced
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 500 g fresh green beans, trimmed

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - Large pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

→ Additional Fat

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, to prevent sticking)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and sauté for 2 minutes, allowing the fat to render.
02 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and continue to sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
03 - Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat with the bacon and onions. Lower heat to medium and cover with a lid. Cook, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tender, about 20 minutes.
04 - Remove lid, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra crispy bacon crumbled over the top, if preferred.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Rinse green beans prior to cooking to enhance browning and ensure cleanliness.
02 - Drain excess bacon fat if the pan becomes too greasy; a few tablespoons are ideal for sautéing.
03 - If bacon is lean, supplement with olive oil to prevent sticking.
04 - For firmer green beans, reduce cooking time to approximately 15 minutes.