Sweet and sour runner beans

Runner bean plants very often produce a prolific crop and, whilst they are delicious simply boiled, there is much more that can be done with them.  Preparing them in a sweet and sour fashion is one option.  In this way they make an excellent accompanying vegetable dish which is interesting with its contrast of sweet and sour.

Preparation Time: 10 Mins

Cooking Time: 10 Mins

Total Time: 20 Mins

Ingredients

For 4 servings…

60 gms            Bacon  - streaky, cut into thin strips       

½                   Onion  - sliced thinly 

½ tbs             Sugar  - soft brown   

2 tbs               Vinegar  - white wine 

                      Pepper      

                      Salt          

½ tbs             Dill  - chopped        

450 gms          Runner beans  - cut into ½ cm diagonals 

½                   Lemon  - juice of      

Method

Melt the bacon slowly in a heavy frying pan until crisp.  Remove it and, in the fat from the bacon, fry the onion until deep golden – add some butter if necessary.  Stir in the sugar and continue to cook for one minute.  Remove and keep with the bacon.  Swill the pan around with the vinegar.  Return the onions and bacon to the pan.  Season and stir in the dill.

Meanwhile, put the beans into a pan of salted boiling water and cook until tender.  Drain and dry. Toss over heat in the dried pan.  Add the onion / bacon mixture and combine.  Add the lemon juice.