Instructions

  1. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside.
  2. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook green beans, in 2 batches until firm-tender (about 3 minutes).
  3. With tongs, transfer to ice water, stir until beans are very cold.
  4. Remove immediately; pat dry.
  5. Place the pearl onions in a bowl.
  6. Cover with boiling water; let stand for 1 minute; drain and peel.
  7. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over med-high heat.
  8. Fry onions until golden in places (about 8 minutes).
  9. Add 2/3 cup water and garlic; cover, and simmer until onions are tender, and almost no liquid remains (about 10 minutes).
  10. Add beans, lemon juice, salt and pepper, tossing until beans are hot (about 5 minutes).
  11. Transfer to a serving platter.
  12. Note: If desired, drizzle melted butter on top of bean/onion platter before serving.