Lebanese green beans (Loubieh bi zeit)

This is a delicious way of cooking green beans which my friend Zaza taught me.

I usually use flat beans for this recipe, but I'm sure it will also work with "haricots verts".

- Clean and string the green beans if necessary (about 700 g)
- Clean 4 big ripe tomatoes. Peel them if you have the patience :-) and cut them in large boats
- Peel 10 to 12 garlic cloves. Keep them whole.
- Fry the garlic cloves in a little olive oil just to the point when they will start to brown (but don't let them brown).
- Add the green beans and fry them for about 5 min.
- Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, cover and simmer on low heat until the beans are done.

Very simple and very delicious.

Green bean salad

It's been ages since I posted, so here's a quick recipe which I'd already typed up.

This salad is very easy, quick and delicious. And if you always keep green haricots verts in your freezer, you can always serve an easy healthy accompaniment with you meal.

Green beans (fresh or frozen)

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Toasted sesame oil

Soy sauce

Lemon juice

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Boil the beans until just crunchy (don’t let them go totally limp).

Drain. Season with above ingredients.