Green Beans with Sweet-and-Sour Red Onions

On our way home from Shane's triathlon last weekend, we passed a farmer's market I'd never visited and he was nice enough to stop so I could browse. I picked up lots of great produce, including these green beans. I wanted to do something other than simply steam them, which is what I'd typically do, so I flipped through The Bon Appetit: Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook looking for ideas. I love red onions, so choosing this recipe was a no-brainer. It came together quickly with just a few ingredients and the result was fantastic! I loved the colors and the flavor combination - this would definitely make a great side dish for any occasion!

Green Beans with Sweet-and-Sour Red Onions

from The Bon Appetit Cookbook: Fast Easy Fresh by Barbara Fairchild

1 pound slender green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons butter

1 very large (14-16 oz) red onion, peeled, halved lengthwise, sliced lengthwise

1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram (I used dried oregano instead)

1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

Steam beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Melt butter in large heavy skillet over high heat. Add onion, marjoram and crushed red pepper. Saute until onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar. Stir until sauce thickens, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add beans; toss to coat and heat through, about 1 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.