1 small onion, cut into slivers

3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced paper thin

4 tomatoes, peeled and quartered, or 1 14 oz. can whole tomatoes, cut into quarters

2 strips bacon, optional

1 pound green beans

olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

In a large dutch oven, briefly saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Add bacon if using and cook until soft. Add green beans and tomatoes, with a little water. Add salt and pepper to taste, bring to a boil, then cover tightly and lower heat to lowest setting. Braise for about an hour until beans are meltingly tender.