Crunchy string beans taste wonderful in a rich, nutty coating of walnuts and sesame oil.

Serves: 6 or more

• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
• 5 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, to taste
• Dried hot red pepper flakes or other hot seasoning, to taste
• 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Heat the oil plus 2 tablespoons of water in an extra-large skillet or stir-fry pan. Stir in the green beans and stir-fry over medium-high heat until bright green.

Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and walnuts. Continue to stir-fry until the green beans are tender-crisp and touched with dark brown spots.

Remove from the heat and if desired, transfer to a serving container. Serve warm or at room temperature.

• Here are more recipes for making the most of green beans. ^[1]