GREEN BEANS ITALIAN-STYLE

SERVES 4 AS A MAIN DISH, 6 to 8 AS A SIDE DISH

This is one of my favorite recipes that is equally good as a side dish or a vegetarian main dish. Try to find Italian flat beans or pole beans, but regular snap beans work as well. If you want a more substantial main dish, Italian sausage can be added. Slice and brown the meat before adding the garlic, then continue with the recipe as written.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh green beans, cleaned and trimmed of ends

4 large tomatoes or 1 can (about 1 pound) whole tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 large cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano or 1-2 tablespoons dried

Salt and pepper to taste

Snap the beans into 2-inch pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Drain well. (See notes below.)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until softened. Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered, until tomatoes start to break down. Add the green beans and cook, covered, until tender. Taste the beans for seasoning and, if desired, add more salt, pepper or oregano.

Notes: I often skip blanching the beans, especially when they are young and very fresh, and just cook them with the tomatoes for a longer time, adding a little water as needed if it dries out.

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