Braised Green Beans and Tomatoes

This is a beautiful vegetarian dish best eaten at room temperature or even cold straight from the fridge. It makes a perfect side dish with rice or meat. Traditionally it is eaten like many mezze dishes by pinching morsels with pita bread. The braised whole garlic is a sweet surprise.

SERVINGS: 4–6

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup olive oil
• 12 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cups green beans, cut diagonally
• 4 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated, unpeeled
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and sauté garlic and onions until soft.
2. Add the green beans and stir well (beans will turn a deep green).
3. Cover and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
4. Remove lid and add chopped tomatoes, cloves of unpeeled garlic, tomato paste and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Lower heat, cover, and allow to simmer for 30 minutes until sauce thickens and beans are tender.