Mixed Beans With Bacon And Almonds

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Posted for zaar world tour 2005. although green beans have often been paired with either bacon or almonds, i've never seen a recipe for them both until i found one in a cookbook called the new irish table. they enhance one another quite nicely in this recipe, and it's very easy and quick to make. imitation bacon has the smokey flavor of regular bacon, but fewer calories. i've included instructions (such as they are) for both. butter beans and lima beans are from the same family. if you can't find frozen butter beans (favas), canned are fine but don't cook as long. they don't suggest browning the almonds, but you could do so in a 350f oven for 5 minutes or until visibly browned.

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Steps

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If using imitation bacon , use one of the methods included on the package to obtain the desired consistency.

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If using regular bacon , cook in a small skillet over medium heat until crisp.

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Using a slotted spatula , transfer to paper towels to drain.

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Add the sugar snap peas and green beans to a large saucepan of salted boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes.

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Drain , rinse in cold water , and drain again.

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Set aside.

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Cook the butter beans and lima beans in boiling salted water for about 8 minutes or until tender.

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Drain.

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Combine peas and beans in serving bowl , crumble bacon on top , and sprinkle with the almonds.

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Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

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Ingredients

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imitation bacon, frozen sugar snap peas, frozen green beans, butter beans, frozen lima beans, slivered almonds, salt & freshly ground black pepper, olive oil