Mexican Green Beans

[Tommy T.]

We have had a number of small birthday celebrations and each one always means a feast for us (and an expanding waistline for me!). Yesterday was the 2nd birthday for our "guard" dog. So L insisted we celebrate. Only four of us here but we had a small feast anyway with bbq chicken, ribs, rice (of course), my green beans and cake. This recipe comes mostly from a Mexican cook book but, as usual, I doctor it up and change it to my taste. I will just detail how I make it and you can go from there...

Ingredients:

Bacon - three slices of thick or four slices of thin sliced - cut into about 1/3 inch pieces.

Beans - long, square or string - about 1/2 kg - cut into about 1" pieces.

Cabbage - any type will do - about a volume similar to the pile of cut green beans. Chop into about 1' or larger pieces.

Garlic - four or five cloves (or to taste) crushed and chopped somewhat finely.

Lemon or lime - either will do fine - maybe one large one or several calamansis will work fine.

Onion - 3/4 large yellow or white, maybe 2 large red will work - chop medium size.

Oregano - original recipe calls for 1/2 tsp... I put in at least 2 full tsp and maybe more - to taste.

Pepper - coarsely ground black and I prefer lots and everyone likes that.

Salt - to taste.

Tomatoes - Maybe two medium or so. Last night I used a can of diced tomatoes and it was perfect! If fresh, then dice into 1/2 inch pieces.

Method:

1. Cook bacon slowly and monitor so it won't burn. Remove when done to plate and drain on paper towels. Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan leaving just a small amount for flavour for cooking the rest.

2. Saute onions and garlic - onions start first then garlic, otherwise the garlic will burn and turn bitter. Cook until just soft.

3. Add in tomatoe(s), oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for five minutes or longer until fragrant. No need to worry if tomato is chunky.

4. Boil water then blanch the beans and cabbage together until tender-crisp. Drain water and then rinse under cold tap water until cooled.

5. Add beans and cabbage to the tomatoes, stir and heat gently until hot.

6. Serve on large plate or platter. Drizzle with lemon or lime juice, and lots of it! Garnish with the bacon.

Eat and enjoy! Some is good, more is better and too much is never enough!

Everyone loved this. It actually goes well with the rice because there is that sauce.

Cheers!

Edited October 26, 2022 by Tommy T.

[Walanapera]

Sounds Yummy!