Julius is a Dad from school who owns Elgin Printing and he kindly donates printing to Art4All each year.  Elgin Printing is, obviously, in Elgin Street, Carlton.

And every time I think of printing, and Julius, (which I do more than you’d imagine lately – only because I am in the depths of organising Art4All again) I think of my most favourite restaurant on Elgin Street, Ablas, and then I think about these green beans.

Or, perhaps I could start this story from the other end …

Here is one of my most favourite recipes that I make all the time.  I love it because it is simple, delicious and you can eat it hot, cold, or at room temperature which is so super handy for visitors.

It comes from Abla Amad’s cookbook, The Lebanese Kitchen. Ablas is a super lebanese restaurant on Elgin Street, Carlton, named after the owner.

I haven’t been there for a couple of years, but I often think about it when talking to Julius from school who owns Elgin Printing which is just down the road.  And I wonder if he just pops in there sometimes … I would if I worked nearby.

So … to the recipe. I cooked this last night (notice the pot??!). This recipe is from memory, so I hope I get it right.

Green beans with Olive Oil

500 g green beans, topped and tailed if necessary

1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil

1 onion finely chopped or sliced

1-2 fresh skinned tomatoes (I just peel them with the peeler or even keep the skin on) chopped or tinned diced tomato is good too

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

In a pot put the olive oil and onions and cook for 10 minutes (put on your timer so you cook them long enough because it tastes better in the end). Note, the onions will be swimming in olive oil! Add the beans and allspice and cook for a minute, then add the tomatoes and salt and pepper. Put a lid on the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.

DONE!  Soooo good.