Recipe: Sesame Steamed Green Beans (using maple syrup and red wine vinegar)

SESAME STEAMED GREEN BEANS

3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 pound fresh green beans
1/4 cup toasted sesame seed oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Place the sesame seeds in a small, heavy skillet and heat over a medium flame. Toast the seeds until they are dry and just begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Seeds will begin to pop when done. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Place the beans in the steamer basket. Cover and steam 5 minutes of until the beans are just tender.

While the beans steam, whisk together the sesame seed oil, maple syrup and vinegar in a medium saucepan and bring to shimmer. Set aside.

Transfer the beans to the saucepan containing the sesame oil mixture. Toss the beans to coat.

Transfer the beans to a serving dish and spoon pan liquid over them. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Venturesome Vegetarian Cooking: Bold Flavors for Meat- and Dairy-Free Meals by J. M. Hirsch and Michelle Hirsch