Green Beans with Golden Breadcrumbs and Fresh Mint

1 pound whole green beans                                      

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil                                        
1 large onion, grated                                                 
3-4 large garlic cloves, minced                                 
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest 1 lemon, juice of ½
¼ cup fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1.      Snap off the tips of string beans and blanch until just tender. Strain and cool in icy water. 
        Strain again and set aside.

2.      Add the olive oil to a hot sauté pan and cook the onion on medium heat until soft, fragrant and barely golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add the breadcrumbs and cook until toasted and golden, stirring frequently. Remove from the flame and add the cheese. Add salt, and pepper to taste.

3.      Toss the string beans into the sauté pan with the onion breadcrumbs mixture.  Add fresh lemon zest, chopped mint, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Top with extra grated cheese and oil if desired and serve.

        If you think your kids don't like vegetables, I guarantee they will love this dish.  This is a dish from Southern Italy, it is a great contorno for the holidays or any day of the week.  Once you taste it, you'll want to eat it all!