Green Beans Marinara

 

Green bean season has begun early in this part of the world apparently, because I found beautiful green beans at the farmers market this morning.  I made this different sort of side dish with them, as we had an Italian themed potluck this afternoon.  A simple marinara sauce combined with fresh green beans - it's pretty hard to mess up, folks.  And it's yummy.

This would go well with a simple Italian chicken or pasta dish, or even just some crusty bread. 

Green Beans Marinara

adapted from Food Network Magazine

serves 6 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed

extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a knife

one 28 ounce can no salt added diced tomatoes

salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Bring a medium sized pot of water to a boil.  Cook green beans until just tender, about 5 minutes.  Drain.

2.  Meanwhile, coat the bottom of a large skillet with a thin film of olive oil.  Add red pepper flakes and garlic cloves and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.  Drain some of the juices off the canned tomatoes, but not all, and add the tomatoes to the skillet.  Simmer for about 10 minutes.

3.  Add the drained green beans to the tomato sauce and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.  Salt to taste. Remove the garlic cloves before serving.

Enjoy!