i'm really finicky about onions. i've just never enjoyed them that much. but caramelized onions changed my life. they really do add a great flavor to a simple dish like green beans.

3 parts green beans
1 part onion
spoonful of olive oil
a couple pinches of sugar
pinch of salt

chop the onions into long strips. i like to initially saute them in a bit of water, over medium heat, to decrease the overall fat content of the dish. once they are a bit mushy and they water has evaporated, add oil and sugar, and stir - covering the onions. bring to a simmer - continue to stir on the occasion as necessary.

in a separate pot, bring water to a boil (enough to cover the green beans). add a pinch of salt and blanch the green beans. strain when they are just shy of being edible.

add to the green beans to the onions for a final cooking session.