Green Beans Italiano - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb fresh stringless green beans, tips removed,and chopped into 1 inch lengths
12 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water 10 minutes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup dry sherry
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup water
parmesan cheese (optional)
additional crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Heat oil and garlic in a large skillet until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add chopped onion, red pepper (optional), basil, and oregano, and cook until onion is tender, 2-3 minutes.
Drain tomatoes from warm water and chop into strips.
Add sun dried tomatoes, green beans, and dry sherry to pan and cook 2 minutes, stirring to blend.
Pour in tomato sauce, then add balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup water; stir to mix.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until beans are cooked to your preference, adding a tbsp water if it gets too thick.
Serve topped with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese (optional), and additional red pepper flakes (optional), if desired.