Janice's Green Beans with Tomato and Caramelized Onion

Caramelized onions, seasoned brown sugar enriched tomato paste, and green beans...all for only 131 calories per generous serving? Absolutely! This is a perfect "company's coming" side dish or really, anytime you want something just a little fancy.

The nutrition facts are at Calorie Count!

Green Beans with Tomato and Caramelized Onion

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds green beans
1/4 cup pure olive oil
1/2 t salt
1 yellow onion
3 T tomato paste
1 t dark brown sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 t fresh cracked black pepper

Directions:


Steam the trimmed beans til crisp tender - 6-9 minutes depending on what you consider crisp tender. Refresh under cold water and pat dry with a tea towel or paper towels.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, sliced onions, and salt. Reduce heat to medium low and gently saute til onion is rich golden brown. Caramelizing brings out the natural sweetness that hides within the onion and really makes this dish come together. Stir to prevent burning the onion but not so much that you delay the browning. This could take 20 minutes or more depending on where you heat is set and how often you stir. Be patient and watch what happens to the appearance of the onion right before they brown. It will help you to know when they are done. I often make extra because I cannot stop myself from eating them as they brown.

Add tomato paste, brown sugar, and water; stir well. Increase heat to medium-high and add the green beans and fresh cracked black pepper. Some of you will want more salt.