Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

INGREDIENTS
1    pound green beans, ends snipped, cut to 2 inches
½   cup pine nuts, cashews or peanuts (unsalted)
2    tablespoons sesame seeds
2    tablespoons sesame oil
3    large cloves garlic, minced
1    teaspoon soy sauce
1    teaspoon lemon juice
1    tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. (optional)

METHOD

Place 1 inch of water in a vegetable steamer and bring to a boil. Add the beans, cover and cook for 4 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.

In a small skillet, add the nuts and toast over low heat until they are just beginning to brown. Remove and set aside. Add the sesame seeds and toast them to a golden brown. Remove to the dish with the nuts. To the skillet, add the sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic just begins to turn golden. Strain the oil in to a large skillet and discard the garlic.

In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce and lemon juice. Set aside. For the large skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high and add the green beans. Cook the beans, stirring, for about 8 to 10 minutes until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp. Pour the soy-lemon juice over the beans and toss to coat. Remove to a serving dish and sprinkle with the nuts and sesame seeds. Dust with the Parmesan cheese and serve.