Italian Flat Green Beans With Tomatoes And Garlic - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb green beans, cut on the diagonal into 3-inch pieces (Italian flat, Romano)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, cut into very thin slices (a 1/4 cup)
1 tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice (8ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
6 -8 basil leaves, cut into chiffonade (stacked, then rolled tightly and cut into very thin strips, optional garnish)

Preparation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Drain immediately.
While the beans are cooking, heat the oil in a medium saute pan or skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the garlic slices, distributing them evenly. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the slices become almost translucent and start to brown on the edges; be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the diced tomato and salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, so that the tomato is heated through.
Add the cooked green beans and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer to a serving dish and top with the basil, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.