Warm bean and tomato salad with basil

2 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½poundsGreen Beans, ends removed
3tablespoonsOlive Oil
2eachesLarge Dry Shallots, chopped
1tablespoonBalsamic or Red Wine Vinegar
1cupChickpeas, drained 19oz
2eachesTomatoes, seeded, chopped
2tablespoonsFresh Basil, chopped
1tablespoonLemon Juice, fresh
1xSalt
1xFreshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions

* You can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of the fresh stuff.

Remove the ends from the beans and cut into 1 12 inch lengths. Cook in boiling water until just tender, about 5 - 7 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile heat one tablespoon of oil in a large frypan over medium heat; cook the shallots until softened, about 2 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and cook until liquid is reduced. Drain chickpeas and stir in chickpeas and green beans; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. In a serving bowl, combine the bean mixture with tomatoes, olives and basil. Whisk together the remaining oil with lemon juice and pour over salad; season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 2 as main course, 4 as side dish. From The Gazette, 91/03/06.