Sesame Garlic Green Beans

Flavourful and light, these beans are a vibrant
addition to any Summer plate!

Prep & Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
 
Main Ingredients:
1/2lb or 1 1/2 cups fresh, trimmed green beans, or frozen
- Fresh green beans will need to be trimmed, while frozen likely won’t
-To trim a green bean, remove the stems that may still be attached to one end, you can do this quickly and easily by lining up your washed green beans and slicing the ends all at once (see photo below)
 
Dressing:
1 tsp tamari or soy sauce
1 clove or ½ tsp crushed garlic
½ tsp sesame oil – if you don’t have sesame oil you can substitute peanut oil
2 tsp rice vinegar – if you don’t have rice vinegar you can substitute apple cider vinegar
2 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
 
Method:
Fill a large pot with enough water to sit just below a steamer basket. Place the trimmed green beans in the basket and allow water to come to a boil over medium-high heat. Steam beans on medium-low heat checking the beans after 5-7 minutes by removing and tasting one. If the beans require additional cooking time, test again after 1-2 minutes.
 
If you are using frozen beans, steam on medium-high heat, checking after 7-8 minutes. If the frozen greens come in a bag with instructions, feel free to follow the steaming instructions.
 
While beans are steaming, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 tsp sesame seeds, tamari, garlic, oil, vinegar and salt & pepper, set aside.
 
In a small pan on low heat toast the remaining 1 tsp of sesame seeds until light brown.
 
After beans are cooked transfer to a large bowl or heat proof container and pour over dressing while beans are still warm, toss to coat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
 
These beans can be served hot or cold.
 
Tips & Variations:

• For a twist on flavour at ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
• If you don’t have green beans you can substitute fresh or frozen broccoli, steamed
• Create a fiery version of this dish by adding ½-1 tsp red pepper flakes or chopped fresh red chili to the dressing mixture
• This recipe is easily halved or doubled, adjust dressing ingredients and amount of beans accordingly