Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tomatoes
A simple and healthy side dish using the best of the season's produce, this recipe is good both warm and at room temperature, making it a great potluck option.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 69kcal
Equipment
- 3-quart saucepan
- 10-inch skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut
- 2 tablespoons butter divided**
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 Roma paste-type tomatoes, cored & chopped*
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried red chili peppers or to taste
Instructions
- Steam green beans in a large pot lined with a steamer basket and filled with water to the bottom of the basket (alternately, you can boil the beans in a large pot filled with about 3 quarts of salted water). In both cases, you'll want to cook just until crisp-tender: bring water to a boil, add beans, and cover and cook on medium for about 5 minutes, depending on size.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, 5-8 minutes. Add garlic variation here if using.
- Add balsamic vinegar and cook a minute before adding the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried chili peppers and any optional herbs. Cook another 1-3 minutes, and then remove from heat.
- Drain the beans when they are done and toss with the remaining butter and more salt and pepper as you'd like.
- Serving Options: 1)Place the beans on a serving plate and top with the onion-tomato mixture, OR 2) Toss it all together and serve in a bowl. Top with cheese variation if desired.
Notes
*My preference is drier paste tomatoes, but you can also use halved grape or cherry tomatoes, or chopped larger heirloom tomatoes (though squeeze juice and seeds from the halves before chopping).
**Or olive oil for a dairy free version.
Optional Variations:
- Add fresh herbs (2 tablespoons thyme and rosemary, or 1/4 cup chopped basil) at the same time as the tomatoes.
- Add 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced, at the end of caramelizing the onions.
- Top the finished dish with 1/4 cup crumbled or shredded cheese like feta, goat, or parmesan.
Nutrition
Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 638IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
