This is a very flavorful veggie side dish with a delightful crunch from the water chestnuts and a rich taste from the toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy over brown rice and add beans or meat for a complete meal. A bonus to this meal is that sesame seeds are very high in absorbable calcium, so it’s great for those dairy free folks out there.

2 tbl olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tbl fresh ginger, skin removed, minced
1 small red bell pepper
4-5 cups green beans, ends removed and then cut into bite sized pieces
1 8 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced in thin strips
2 tbl tamari (wheat free soy sauce)
1 tbl brown rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1-2 tsp ume vinegar *see note
1/4 cup dry toasted black sesame seeds

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add sliced onions and crushed garlic. Turn to medium-low heat and cook for about 5 minutes. Add minced ginger and green beans. Add all seasonings except sesame seeds, cover, and allow to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

(more…)