Caramelized Spicy Green Beans

1 lb. fresh haricots verts (tiny green beans)
2 T. light brown sugar
1 T. soy sauce
1/2 t. dried crushed red pepper
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 medium-sized sweet onion, sliced
1 t. peanut oil
3/4 t. seasoned salt

Cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover for 1 minute; drain. Plunge green beans into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain well, pressing between paper towels.

Stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper.

Saute bell pepper, onion, and green beans in peanut oil over high heat for 3-5 minutes or until beans look blistered. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Remove from heat; add soy sauce mixture to green bean mixture and stir to coat.

Serves 4.

From Southern Living magazine, February 2013, p. 16.