A delicious, richly seasoned, spicy green bean side dish.

Gujerati Sem

1 pound fresh green beans

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon whole black mustard seeds

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon crushed dry red chilies

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Wash and trim beans. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Blanch the beans by placing them into a pot of boiling water and cooking rapidly for 4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse under cold, running water. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds. As soon as the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the garlic. Stir the garlic until it begins to turn light brown. Add the crushed red chilies and stir for a few seconds. Add the green beans, salt and sugar. Stir to mix.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir and cook the beans for about 5 minutes, or until they have absorbed the flavor of the spices. Add the pepper, mix and serve.

Serves 4 to 6.