Garlic in History, Medicinal uses and cooking

Garlic and Green Beans Au Gratin

Ingredients:

• 8 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 lbs fresh green lake beans
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• pinch of fresh basil and oregano, minced
• 2 slices pancetta
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp butter
• red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Fill a 2 quart saucepan with water and a pinch of salt and boil. Add fresh green beans and simmer until almost cooked (you don't want to overcook the beans)
2. Drain green beans
3. In a large heavy bottomed skillet, brown pancetta ,drain and crumble
4. Heat olive oil in same skillet with garlic cloves and mushrooms
5. Saute until garlic becomes golden
6. Mash garlic in oil with wire whip
7. Add cooled green beans, parsley, butter, crumbled pancetta and remaining ingredients, heat through
8. Place bean mixture in glass oven dish
9. Cover with bread crumbs, parmesan and butter
Serve warm as a side dish