Green beans with cracklings

Ingredients:

• 1.1 kg green beans, ends trimmed
• 220 gr. bacon, coarsely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup chopped toasted pecans
• Juice of half a lemon

Preparation:

1. Place the green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer the beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
2. Cook the bacon in a large heavy skillet until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off most of the rendered fat from the skillet, reserving only 2 tablespoons. Add the onion and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle with garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
3. Add the reserved green beans and pecans and cook until heated through, another 5-6 minutes. Return the bacon to the pan, pour in the lemon juice, and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.