Union Square Market – 2:57PM August 17, 2009
These purple and green long beans are also known as (according to Wikipedia, anyway) long-podded cowpeas. This is the first year I remember seeing them at the market and when I looked them up, I found that they are grown in warmer climates like Thailand and Southern China and are a traditional food of Africa. Cool.
So, I cut and steamed a mix of them and whipped up a Japanese sesame dressing from one of my favorite cookbooks, simply called, “Japanese,” from Parragon Publishing in the UK (out of print). This is my favorite recipe for beans. It’s quick, delicious and everyone loves it.
Here’s this great concoction:
Steamed Green Beans with Sesame Dressing
8 ounces of greeen beans
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon toasted sesame paste (Atari Goma is what I find in Sunrise Mart)
1 teaspoon of superfine sugar
1 teaspoon miso paste (I use red Akadashi Hacho Miso for its rich flavor – but you can use any kind of miso – also available at Sunrise Mart)
2 teaspoons of soy sauce (shoyu)
While steaming or boiling the beans (you can use string beans or long beans – either work), mix the other ingredients together in a cup until it becomes a smooth paste. Drain the beans and toss with the sesame dressing. Serve while still warm.
Write me a note if you try this.
D.A.
