DRY-FRIED GREEN BEANS

4 tablespoons peanut oil
10 ounces green beans, ends trimmed
8 dried chilies, preferably Sichuan, cut in half with scissors
1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 scallions, white parts only, thinly sliced at a sharp angle
Salt to taste.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or a skillet over medium heat. Add beans and stir-fry about 6 minutes, until they are tender and have become slightly shriveled-looking. Remove and set aside.

Wipe out wok, place over high heat and add remaining oil. Add chilies and Sichuan pepper and stir-fry about 10 seconds, until fragrant.

Add garlic and scallions and stir-fry until fragrant.

Add beans, stir-fry briefly, dust with salt and serve.

Servings: 4
Adapted from source: Land of Plenty: A Treasury of Authentic Sichuan Cooking by Fuchsia Dunlop