Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tomatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Steam green beans in a large pot lined with a steamer basket and filled with water to the bottom of the basket (alternately, you can boil the beans in a large pot filled with about 3 quarts of salted water). In both cases, you'll want to cook just until crisp-tender: bring water to a boil, add beans, and cover and cook on medium for about 5 minutes, depending on size.
2. 2
   Place the beans on a serving plate and top with the onion-tomato mixture, OR
3. 3
   Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
4. 4
   Toss it all together and serve in a bowl. Top with cheese variation if desired.
5. 5
   Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, 5-8 minutes.
6. 6
   Add garlic variation here if using.
7. 7
   Add balsamic vinegar and cook a minute before adding the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried chili peppers and any optional herbs. Cook another 1-3 minutes, and then remove from heat.
8. 8
   Drain the beans when they are done and toss with the remaining butter and more salt and pepper as you'd like.