Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons bacon bits
  • 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon canned fried onions

Method

  • In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, sweat the onions in the butter.
  • Add the garlic and mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add the flour and cook for 2 to 5 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and season with the cayenne, salt, and pepper, to taste.
  • Fold in the bacon bits.
  • Preheat the grill to high heat.
  • Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove to an ice bath for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the ice bath, drain, and pat dry with a paper towel when cool.
  • Toss the green beans in the extra-virgin olive oil and a little salt and pepper.
  • Grill for 3 minutes.
  • Place the green beans on a plate and top with the mushroom sauce and fried onions.