Green Beans with Red Pepper & Garlic

Green Beans with Red Pepper & Garlic

1 pound green beans, trimmed
2 tsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded & cut into strips
1/2 tsp chile paste or red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Cut the beans into 2" pieces.  Bring a large saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil.  Add the beans and cook until they turn bright green and tender-crips, about 1-3 minutes.  Drain beans, then plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.  Drain again and set aside.

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the bell pepper and toss and stir for about 1 min.  Add the beans and saute for 1 minute longer.  Add the chile paste or red pepper flakes, garlic and toss, stir frying for 1 more minute.  The beans will be tender & bright green.  Drizzle with the sesame oil and season with the salt and black pepper.  Serve immediately.