Blanch beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes and then cool beans in ice water
1 tablespoon salt
Drain beans
While beans are blanching, cook bacon in a large saute pan until crispy
3-4 slices bacon
Remove bacon and grease, reserving about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan
Add beans to pan and cook over medium high heat for about 2 minutes
Stir beans and then add garlic to the center of the pan and cook for about 30 seconds
1 clove garlic
Add bacon and cook for another 30 seconds
Taste a bean to make certain it is fully heated through. If needed, cook for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt
1 pinch coarse salt
Serve hot
Notes
Once you add the beans to the hot pan, don't stir for the first minute. You want that delicious searing to happen and the beans become just slightly browned.
Don't overcook your beans or they will lose that vibrant color and crispness
Add additional garlic if you like a stronger garlic flavor
To Prepare Ahead of Time
Blanch your beans ahead of time. Once cool, drain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can also cook your bacon ahead of time if you'd like. Be certain to save a tablespoon of bacon grease to cook with your beans. Or you can use a tablespoon of olive oil.