Simple and Delicious Summer Vegetable Recipe!

Happy Summer!  Try to stay cool.  Drink cool drinks, not iced.   Use  mint, coconut and cilantro in your meals, and enjoy the bounty of fresh local vegetables and fruit.  Below is a simple recipe that uses fresh green beans and tomatoes.

 

Also below are pictures from my July 14th Cooking for Summer Workshop.  We started with Cool Hibiscus Mint Tea.  Then we made the meal: Cracked Wheat/Bulgur and Chana Dal Pilaf; Green Beans Thoren; Simple Cumin Zucchini; and Coconut Chutney.  In addition, we prepared a Spice Mix to use during this season called Pitta Churna. 

Debbie's Homegrown Green Beans Dish

1 lb fresh green beans (about 4 cups), snapped or chopped into ½ to 1 inch pieces

1 to 2 T ghee

1 to 2 shallots, thinly sliced

½ t black mustard seeds

heaping ¼ t turmeric

8 to 12 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, may use other fresh tomatoes (optional)

½ t salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Melt the ghee in a medium to large pan and add the mustard seeds. When they start popping add the shallot and cook until lightly brown. Add the green beans and turmeric, stir to mix and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the salt, a few tablespoons of water, and the tomatoes. Cover, lower heat and steam until tender about 5 minutes. Add pepper to taste and more salt if desired.

This is a simple dish and so delicious with my homegrown green beans and tomatoes! If you do not have a garden try to buy the vegetables fresh from a farm stand or farmer's market.