Braised Green Beans
While we love the snap of quickly blanched green beans, we also love this preparation, which leaves the green beans almost meltingly tender. They’re ready when they are completely soft and cooked through, and all the delicious seasonings have been absorbed by the beans. They are perfect alongside grilled or baked fish, or with our Veal Meatballs (page 48).
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the beans in the boiling water and cook, stirring once or twice, for 4 minutes. Drain and set the beans aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is just beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste has turned a deep, brick-red color, about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Add the green beans and 1/4 cup water to the pot and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the beans and tomato paste have mixed completely and all of the water has evaporated, about 10 minutes. If the water evaporates too quickly, add a few extra tablespoons so that the beans have time to cook fully; they should be very tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately.
