Italian Flat Green Beans With Tomatoes and Garlic

Another reason to celebrate long hot humid days of summer. This dish is reminiscent of an Italian method of cooking green beans with tomatoes for a long time, which was especially good for tenderizing tough, old beans. From the Miami Herald.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb green beans, cut on the diagonal into 3-inch pieces (Italian flat, Romano)
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3  medium garlic cloves, cut into very thin slices (a 1/4 cup)
• 1  tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice (8ounces)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
• 6 -8  basil leaves, cut into chiffonade (stacked, then rolled tightly and cut into very thin strips, optional garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Drain immediately.
2. While the beans are cooking, heat the oil in a medium sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the garlic slices, distributing them evenly. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the slices become almost translucent and start to brown on the edges; be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Add the diced tomato and salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, so that the tomato is heated through.
4. Add the cooked green beans and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the basil, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.