Green beans are one of those vegetables I can almost always count on finding fresh at the market, no matter what time of year it is. They are inexpensive, versatile, quick to cook, and pair beautifully with just about anything. Whenever I need an easy green vegetable to round out dinner, I often reach for green beans, though I like to change the way I prepare them so they never become boring.

For this version, I pair the beans with sweet peppers, which add both color and a gentle sweetness. The combination makes a simple vegetable side dish feel a little more special without adding much extra work. You can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or a mixture of colors if you want the finished dish to look especially vibrant.

I always begin by blanching my green beans briefly in boiling salted water until they are tender-crisp. As soon as they are ready, I drain them and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking immediately, helping the beans retain both their bright green color and that pleasant bit of crunch. Once cooled, I drain them very well so they are ready to be finished later.

Just before serving, I heat a little good-quality olive oil in a skillet along with whatever seasonings I am using, then add the peppers and cook them until they soften slightly while still retaining some texture. The blanched beans are tossed in at the end, just long enough to warm through and absorb the flavors in the pan. Garlic is always a natural addition, and depending on what else I am serving, I may add a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or even a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten everything up.

One of the things I like best about this dish is that it does not have to be served piping hot. In fact, I often prefer green beans at room temperature, which makes this an especially convenient side dish when entertaining or preparing a larger meal. The beans can be blanched well ahead of time, and the entire dish can even be assembled in advance and allowed to sit at room temperature before serving.

Simple, colorful, and full of fresh flavor, these green beans with peppers are an easy accompaniment to roasted or grilled poultry, meat, or seafood. They are also sturdy enough to hold up well on a buffet table, making them a useful recipe to have on hand for both everyday meals and casual entertaining.

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele