3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, 250g, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
500g (1lb) tomatoes, skins and seeds removed and finely chopped
4 sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for when the fresh ones are uninspiring), in oil or snipped and soaked in boiling water, pounded to a rough paste
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
tops and leaves of 2-3 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 bay leaf, lightly crushed
1/16 teaspoon freshly ground clove
1/16 teaspoon freshly ground allspice
salt and freshly ground pepper
700 g (1-1/2 lb) very fresh green beans, trimmed and broken into halves or third
In a heavy-bottomed pot heat the oil and sauti the onion over gentle heat until transparent. Sprinkle with sugar and cook for a minute to caramelise, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, garlic, celery, bay leaf, clove and allspice.
Season and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir the beans into the pot, cover and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes, until the beans are tender. (The timing depends on how fresh your beans are.) Serve hot or cold.
Servings: 6