Akha Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb green beans, ends removed
12 garlic cloves, roasted and peeled (roast the entire head before peeling the cloves)
1 piece ginger, thumb-size, roasted and peeled (if not using sesame seeds)
2 -3 tablespoons sesame seeds (if not using ginger)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons sawtooth herbs, chopped (or substitute culantro)
2 tablespoons spring onions, white stalk and greens, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mint leaf, chopped (or substitute cilantro)

Preparation

Slice the beans diagonally or halve them. Steam the beans for a few minutes until lightly cooked. Remove to a mixing bowl.
Dry roast the sesame seeds until golden. Remove them before completely browned. Set aside to cool.
Put the peeled, roasted garlic cloves and salt in a mortar. Slice the roasted ginger if using. Add to the mortar. Pound the ingredients together until well-integrated. Tip this mixture over the beans.
Add the soy sauce and gently mix into the salad by hand. Add the chopped mint and sawtooth herb.
Add the dry roasted sesame seeds if using and gently mix in by hand.