Green Beans with Almonds and Caramelized Shallots

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/green-beans-with-almonds-and-caramelized-shallots/detail.aspx


Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 25 Min
Ready In: 45 Min
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
3 tablespoons butter
5 small shallots, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped

Directions:
Place the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over low heat, and cook and stir constantly until the almonds are lightly toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully, because they burn easily. Remove the almonds and set aside.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the shallots and red bell pepper until softened, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the shallot mixture with sugar, salt, and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the shallots caramelize, 5 to 8 minutes.
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan, fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer, and bring the water to a boil. Add the green beans, cover, and steam until just tender enough to pierce with a fork, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the green beans, place them into the skillet with the shallot mixture, mix well, and gently stir in the toasted almonds.