Lovage has been the herb of choice this summer as the fresh celery-like flavour naturally lifts any green vegetable. If you haven't any handy, try sage, basil or parsley.
Green beans and lovage
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
6 spring/new season onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tsp lovage leaves
500g green beans, trimmed
sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large fry pan, add the onion and garlic and saute for 30 seconds, add the beans and lovage (or herb of your choice), season lightly with a little salt and continue to cook so that the beans are lightly colouring up, add 75-100ml water and continue to cook so that the beans are tender and the liquid has reduced. Adjust seasoning and add plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, serve immediately.
• Alison Lambert, chef at the Otago Farmers Market, will be demonstrating this recipe at the market on Saturday morning.