GREEN BEANS WITH BALSAMIC PESTO

GREEN BEANS WITH BALSAMIC PESTO image

Categories Bean

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1 large garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs green beans, trimmed, or a combination of green beans and diced potatoes
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dark brown sugar

Steps:

Combine the basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until the basil is finely chopped, but not pureed. Add the olive oil, and garlic and blend until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Cooking the Beans:. Pour about 2 inches of water into a 6 quart pot. Place a collapsible steamer in the pot, cover, and bring to a full boil. Place beans in the steamer, cover the pot, and steam 6 minutes, or until tender crisp. Mix 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon dark brown sugar. Remove the beans to a shallow serving bowl. Add the pesto to the beans, stirring in the vinegar/sugar mixture. Toss to thoroughly coat the beans.