Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 900 g fresh green beans (cut off ends)
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 0.5 cm pieces
• 3 crushed cloves of garlic
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 55 g butter
• 4 tablespoons of wheat flour
• 1 tbsp. grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup low-fat cream (10 - 12%)
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2.5 cups whole milk, plus more if needed
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
   
   Cut the green beans in half if you prefer smaller pieces. Blanch the beans: place the green beans in lightly salted boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Strain the beans once they have cooled.
   
   Place the skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the pepper, garlic, and onion. Continue cooking until the bacon is cooked through (but not crispy) and the onion is golden brown, 3-5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and immediately whisk in the butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the milk and heavy cream. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add 1.5 teaspoons of salt, a pinch of black pepper, cayenne pepper, and then the grated cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Turn off the heat.
   
   Add the onion and bacon mixture and stir. Add the beans and gently stir again. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbsBake until the sauce begins to simmer and the breadcrumbs are golden, about 30 minutes.