Makes 4 servings. My mom taught me how to turn green beans into an extraordinary side dish by simply pan-frying them. This recipe kicks them up a notch with crushed red pepper flakes.
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
12 ounces whole fresh green beans, trimmed
1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Fill a medium saucepan three-quarters full with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the green beans. Cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to a colander and drain.
Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic, green beans, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
Makes 4 servings.