GREEN BEANS WITH ALMONDS AND CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS

Green Beans with Almonds and Caramelized Shallots image

Provided by Sharon Colyer

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 c blanched slivered almonds
3 Tbsp butter
5 medium shallots, thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp white sugar*
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
*i will only be using 1 tsp. white sugar

Steps:

1. Place slivered almonds in a dry skillet over low heat, and cook, & stir constantly, until almonds are lightly toasted, 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully, because, they burn easily. Remove almonds, and set aside.
2. Heat butter, in a skillet, over medium-low heat, and cook, and stir the shallots and red bell pepper, until softened, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle shallot mixture with sugar (if using), salt and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and the shallots caramelize, 5-8 minutes.
3. Place a steamer insert, into a saucepan, fill with water, to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil. Add green beans and cover. Steam, until just tender enough to pierce with a fork, 7-8 minutes. Drain beans, and place into skillet with shallot mixture; mix well, and gently stir in the toasted almonds. Makes 6 servings.