FLAT POLE BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Drain immediately.
• While the beans are cooking, heat the oil in a medium sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the garlic slices, distributing them evenly. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the slices become almost translucent and start to brown on the edges; be careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Add the diced tomato and salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, so that the tomato is heated through.
• Add the cooked green beans and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Transfer to a serving dish and top with the basil, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Steps:

• Bring 8 cups water and 3 tablespoons of the salt to a boil in a large pot over medium-high. Add beans; cook until almost tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
• Cook bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 12 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet using a slotted spoon, and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve drippings in skillet. Add cumin and pepper to drippings. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add drained beans and ½ teaspoon of the salt; toss gently to coat. Increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beans begin to char, about 5 minutes. Spoon beans into a bowl or onto a platter. Do not wipe skillet clean.
• Reduce heat under skillet to medium-high. Add oil, and swirl skillet to coat. Add tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until tomatoes begin to burst, 3 to 4 minutes. Spoon mixture over beans. Sprinkle with reserved bacon, and serve.