Ingredients

(Serves 6)

• 1 pound green beans, stems trimmed
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin slices
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut the beans into 2-inch pieces. Bring a large saucepan 3/4 full of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp, 1 to 3 minutes. Drain the beans, then plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and toss and stir for about 1 minute. Add the beans and saute for 1 minute longer. Add the chili paste and garlic and stir for 1 minute. The beans will be tender and bright green. Drizzle with the sesame oil and season with the salt and pepper. Serve immediately.