Green Beans with Garlic and Vinegar

I think I will use this technique more often in the future, adding a bit of chopped egg and quickly fried bread cubes makes for a nice robust side dish or light meal of almost any vegetable. The final splash of vinegar and fried garlic add punch and flavor, the egg and bread cubes add texture and satiety, and the combination is a delicious dish.

Green Beans with Garlic and Vinegar

Kosher salt
1 small onion, cut in half
2 fresh parsley sprigs
2 whole peeled garlic cloves, plus two garlic cloves thinly sliced
2 Tbsp plus 2 tsp olive oil
1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
Two ½ inch slices French style bread, cubed
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1 large hard-boiled egg, finely chopped

 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a large pinch of salt, the onion, parsley, whole garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the beans and cook at a high simmer for 8-10 minutes, until cooked to taste.

2. Meanwhile, to fry the bread, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a skillet, add the bread, and fry until golden, turning once. Set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the slice garlic to the skillet and sauté until the garlic is golden. Reserve.

3. When the green beans are done to taste, drain them, discarding the parsley, onion, and garlic. Place on a serving platter and pour on the sliced garlic with its oil, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle on the vinegar.  Scatter the egg and bread cubes over the dish to serve.

From La Cocina de Mama by Penelope Casas