SPICY SCIHUAN STYLE GREEN BEANS

Even though we have been suffering from a drought this year, with Terri's hard work our garden keeps us flush in vegetables for the summer. Green beans are great fresh from the garden, but its fun to try new recipes. P.F. Changs has a similar appetizer on their menu, which makes a great appetizer, side dish, or main vegetarian meal with rice. This recipe is a great change of pace during this time of year.

SPICY SCIHUAN STYLE GREEN BEANS

1 pound green beans. trimmed and cut into halves
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon siracha sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger

1. Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, black pepper and siracha sauce together. Heat a saute pan over medium high heat. Add the green beans and water to the pan and cover for 3-5 minutes until the beans are close to tender. Take off the cover and continue cooking until the water evaporates. Add the oil, garlic and ginger and saute for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic does not burn. Add the soy mixture and cook for 2 additional minutes until the soy sauce mixture thickens and coats the beans. Serve with rice if desired. ENJOY!