Perfect Green Beans

If you have ever visited the Pioneer Woman's blog you know she starts a lot of her recipes as the perfect whatever.  Well this is not her recipe but my mom's.  You will only love these if you are ready to let go of the southern cooked all day green beans and a huge fan of garlic. Ok here you go!


Perfect Green Beans
2-3 handfuls of green beans (depends on how much you prefer)
3 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp olive oil (maybe more)
1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (maybe more)
a couple Tbsp of water

Snap ends of green beans.  In a medium - large sauce pan at medium high heat add olive oil, green beans, and garlic on top.  I don't like sauteeing the green beans first because I think the flavor is richer this way.  Stir frequently until the green beans start to turn bright green, then add water and soy sauce and cover with lid.  The water helps the green beans to steam and cook more evenly.  I usually open often and stir and just taste the green beans until they are the right crunchy-softness.  I prefer not to mushy, but they need to steam at least 5 minutes.

Marinade
We found this marinade for fish and used it on Tilapia.  The website was Life123.
2 c. olive oil
1 c. dry white wine
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 garlic cloves ( i used 3)
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
Let marinate for at least two hours for grilling.  Also we have a very similar recipe for pork chops or fresh ham you just leave out the wine and paprika and add honey.

Scary, me grilling!

Ok, here's our meal. Grilled tilapia, perfect green beans, and olive bread 

(recipe from Pioneer Woman's blog) served with a glass of Chardonay!

It really was good!