Green Beans + Vietnam; Vietnamese Herb Green Beans with Peanuts

Ease of Preparation: Easy

Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) green beans
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated palm sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 lime, juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced fresh ginger
• 1 red chili (such as Bird’s Eye), finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) peanut oil, plus more for searing

Garnish:

• Thai basil, torn
• Mint, torn
• Roasted peanuts, finely ground in a spice mill

Method:

In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 15-30 seconds until bright green.

Immediately transfer to an ice bath and set aside.

When chilled, drain and pat dry. Reserve.

In a jar, make the dressing by combining the garlic, palm sugar, ginger, lime juice, red chili, and peanut oil. Season with salt and shake well to emulsify. Reserve.

To Serve:

In a very hot cast iron pan, sear the green beans, dry, for 1 minute, until starting to char.

Drizzle with a bit of peanut oil and toss, continuing to sear, until the beans develop some nice dark charring.

When ready, transfer directly to a plate, drizzle with the dressing and garnish with Thai basil, mint, and roasted peanuts.

Serve immediately.