I still remember when I first came across this recipe in 2008. It was sometime before Thanksgiving, so NPR had devoted programming time for holiday recipes. Melissa Block was interviewing the venerable Mollie Katzen for some side-dish ideas for the Thanksgiving. What Thanksgiving isn't complete without green beans? 

The idea behind the dish is a simple one. Thanksgiving is hectic enough that you want a few easy-to-make dishes that can be prepped and even cooked ahead of time. This green bean dish is precisely that. The ingredient list is short: green beans, garlic, chili flakes, salt, pepper.  The flavors are bold, but the freshness of the green beans shines through. Plus it's versatile. It tastes great fresh out of the pan or at room temperature. 

Now, I know Christmas is right around the corner. But even though the dish was inspired by Thanksgiving, it's perfect anytime of the year. The recipe below includes mushrooms, because, well, mushrooms are awesome. So consider these Dramatically Seared Green Beans if you're looking for a simple, fresh, and flavorful side dish - no matter the time of year. 

Dramatically Seared Green Beans

First, trim the green beans, removing ends. 

Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat. After about 2 minutes, add the oil and swirl the pan to coat. 

Turn the heat to high and wait another 30 seconds or so. Add the green beans and a large pinch of salt. 

Cook over high heat, shaking the pan and/or using the tongs to turn and move the green beans so they cook quickly and evenly.

After about three minutes, if you're using mushrooms, add cut mushrooms to the pan. The green beans should just be starting to look seared. 

Cook for another couple of minutes. At this point, the beans should be starting to look well-seared. But they should still be crunchy. 

When everything looks well and cooked, turn the heat off. Then, sprinkle in the chili flakes and garlic, and move everything around vigorously to coat. There should be just enough residual heat in the pan to mellow out the garlic and chili flakes.   

Throw in a good pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. Less if you don't. 

Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Feel free to make these with or without mushrooms.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons canola oil or peanut oil
1 lb whole green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon minced or crushed garlic
red pepper flakes
salt

1/2 to 2/3 pound mushrooms, sliced (optional)

Recipe courtesy of Mollie Katzen, The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without.