string beans with sesame seed dressing

• u.s.
• metric

ingredients:

• 7 ounces string beans
• 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• or 2 tablespoons ground toasted
• sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 quart water
• 1 teaspoon salt

step 1:

Remove the strands from the string beans and cut into 2 or 3 equal pieces.

step 2:

Pour the water into a pan and add the salt. Bring to a boil and add the string beans.

step 3:

After boiling about 4 to 5 minutes, drain the string beans, and immediately immerse in cold water to cool.

step 4:

If using the white sesame seeds, parch them in a frying pan over medium-high heat until they crackle and pop.

step 5:

Put them in an earthenware mortar (suribachi) or food processor and crush. Add the soy sauce and sugar, then blend well. Put this mixture in a bowl. If using the ground toasted sesame seeds, place the sesame seeds, soy sauce and sugar in a bowl, then blend well.

step 6:

Drain the cold water from the string beans. Remove any moisture from them with a paper towel. Add the string beans to the mixture (Step 5) and mix.