Best Green Beans EVER!

Yes, I know that is quite a title, but this is my favorite side to make with dinner. A few weeks ago I posted about the inconsistencies among Paleo people; there are differing opinions about certain foods and if they are Paleo or not (honey, dried fruit, sweet potatoes). Well this is one of those dishes. Green beans are considered a legume and legumes are NOT Paleo, depending on which school of thought you follow (legumes are bad because they have lecithin and lecithin's are believed to trigger autoimmune diseases. [check out Dr. Cordain's book]).  But as always, moderation (don't make green beans your only food for a week) and eat to your body type (if they don't agree with you or you're not losing weight cut back).   

Bacon Jalapeño Green Beans

Ingredients

3-4 slices of bacon

1/2-3/4 onion (red or yellow, however the mood strikes you)

2 cloves garlic

1 fresh jalapeño (I remove the seeds an ribs but I've heard that if you would like a spicier dish, chop it whole and add it all- even the seeds.  I am also told that this will release the capsaicin in the pepper so make sure you do this in a well ventilated area; again, I have never tried this)

1 pound fresh green beans

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Paprika to taste

Directions

1)  Fry bacon in pan and remove, leaving the fat.

2)  Chop onions, garlic and jalapeño and add to the pan.

3)  Cook about 3-5 minutes. 

4) Wash and snap the ends of the beans and add to the onions, garlic and jalapeño.  Add a small amount of water to the pan to help cook the beans.

5)  Cut bacon into chunks and add to the beans.

6)  Add pepper and paprika.

7)  Cover and cook on med-med low until beans are tender (this may take 30-40 minutes).

Watch pan and make sure beans don't burn. Add a little extra water to the pan if you notice anything sticking to the bottom of the pan (remember that black/brown "stuff" is flavor).