Basil Infused Green Beans

This is really just a super quick and easy way to steam up some green beans (or any vegetable, really), with one of my favourite vegetable-pairing herbs, Basil.

I made these the other day, to accompany my homemade mac&cheese, and they were superb.

Rather than chop anything, or do worry overly about much prep at all, just grab a handful of basil leaves and crumple them up in your hand.  If you want to pulverize them in a mortar and pestle, feel free, but I find that just rolling them about roughly in my hand is sufficient to 'bruise' them.

I believe that's actually the correct technical term.  Bruising.

:)

Anyway, just add these, with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, to a pan with some green beans and about two tablespoons of water.

 

Cover that up and let it steam on medium high for about 6 or 7 minutes.

Once they're all slimy and dull looking, crack the lid, pour out any remaining water, replace with about a tablespoon of oil, and pan-fry on medium high for another 5 minutes or so.

They're ready once they start to take on some gold and brown patches on their sides, and they crisp up a bit.

I wish I had more attractive photos for these... but my camera's battery ran out and I was forced to use my phone.  Boo!

So, sorry.

These beans actually looked delightfully greener, warmer, and more delicious.  I promise!

Anyway, this is super fast, and super easy, and they taste freakin awesome.