Spiced Green Beans

Ingredients

•        4 tablespoons olive oil

•        1 large onion, diced

•        1 lb (450 g) green beans, stem ends trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch (2.5-5 cm) pieces

•        4 cloves garlic, crushed in a mortar and pestle with ¾ teaspoon salt

•        ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and allspice

•        ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•        1 pinch nutmeg

•        1 lb (450 g) tomatoes (about 3 medium), diced

•        2 tablespoons tomato paste

•        ½ cup (125 ml) water

Preparation, according to an edible mosaic:

1. Heat the oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat; add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the green beans and sauté until they start to take on a little color, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and nutmeg, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

2. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and water and bring up to a boil. Cover the skillet, turn the heat down to simmer, and cook until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.  Once the beans are tender, uncover the skillet, turn the heat up to moderately-high, and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

L.Razzok