Mediterranean Delights
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 pounds fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
3 cups canned diced tomatoes with their juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 bay leaf
Dash of Spanish smoked paprika (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to prevent garlic from getting too brown. Add green beans, then continue to cook and stir. Do not overcook the beans; they should remain bright green. Cook only 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, lemon juice, and season with chives, bay leaf, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer gently uncovered for 20 to 35 minutes. Add pine nuts.
4. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving. This is a dish from Spain which is served throughout the country with some variations. You can try to prepare in a foil wrap on the grill, it may require less liquid--reduce lemon juice and roast garlic prior to placing in foil ! Serve hot and enjoy!
