Gujerati (Green Beans)

1 pound fresh green beans
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon black mustard seed
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 hot red dried chile, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Black pepper to taste

Trim the beans and cut into 1-inch lengths. Blanch by dropping them into a pot of boiling water and boiling rapidly for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain in a collander, rinse under cold running water and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add mustard seeds. As soon as they begin to pop, add garlic and stir until lightly brown.

Add crushed red chile and stir for a few seconds. Add green beans, salt and sugar. Stir to mix.

Turn heat to medium/low. Stir and cook the beans for 7 to 8 minutes until they have absorbed the spiced flavors. Add black pepper, mix and serve.