Its officially summer and time to take advantage of the wonderful produce available during the summer months. Fresh green beans cooked in tomato sauce is one of my favorites. Tender green beans simmered in a tomato sauce served with good bread can be a side or even a main course when paired with cheese, meat or fish. Its delicious, healthful and so easy to make. Here’s how to make it:

Green beans in tomato sauce

1 lb green beans cleaned and stem end snapped off

1 shallot chopped

2 cloves garlic smashed

28 oz can of peeled tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes chopped

3 fresh basil leaves

salt and pepper to taste

crushed red pepper flakes

Heat some olive oil in a pan, add the shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper, saute until soft not browned. Add the green beans, saute for a few minutes just to coat the beans with the oil. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, cover with a lid slightly vented, cook on medium for approximately 45 minutes or until the green beans are tender. Equally good served either hot or at room temperature.

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