Green Bean Provencal

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
1 cup water
2 - 4 tsp. olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tbsp. shallots minced
1 cup vine ripe tomatoes diced
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
A pinch of red pepper flakes
salt to taste

Method:

Keep an ice water bath ready by filling a large bowl with ice and water.

In a large pot, boil the water with a little salt until it starts bubbling.  Add the trimmed beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Drain in a colander and shock in ice water bath.  Drain once again, shaking off the excess water and set aside.

In the same pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the shallots and cook till tender but not caramelized. Add the crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper and diced tomato. Saute for a couple of minutes until tomatoes are softened. Add green beans and toss to coat.  Taste and adjust the seasoning.  Serve hot.