Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
kosher salt
1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
juice of ½ lemon
freshly ground pepper
salt, optional

Instructions

Add green beans to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook until bright green in color and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then shock green beans in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again, pat dry, then set aside. Cook bacon in a large, heavy sauté pan until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to
drain. Spoon off excess grease from the pan, leaving 2 tablespoons. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle in garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute. Add green beans and cook until heated. Return bacon to the pan. Add lemon juice, pepper and salt, if desired. Stir well. Serves 6-8