BLISTERED GREEN BEANS WITH LAMB AND AROMATIC SPICES

In this quick and tasty skillet dinner, green beans are “dry-sautéed” until they are blistered and lightly charred but still crisp-tender. They are then tossed with a savory mixture of ground lamb and tomatoes spiced with onion, garlic, cumin, coriander and a warming hint of cinnamon. Served on a bed of nutty bulgur or brown rice, with a fresh sprinkle of mint leaves, it’s a weeknight meal that is globally influenced and healthfully balanced.

Storage Notes: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound green beans, trimmed

¼ plus ⅛ teaspoon fine salt, divided

8 ounces ground lamb

¼ cup finely diced shallot or onion

3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated

One (14-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with juices ½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon ground coriander

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups cooked bulgur or brown rice, for serving

2 tablespoons small or torn large mint leaves

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the green beans, season with 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and cook, tossing occasionally, until the beans are firm-tender and charred and blistered in spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the green beans to a bowl.

Add the lamb and shallot or onion to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until aromatic, an additional 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, cumin, red pepper flakes, coriander, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, the black pepper and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and the ingredients have melded, about 3 minutes.

Return the green beans to the pan and toss to combine, then remove from the heat. To serve, divide the bulgur or rice among four plates, top with the lamb and green bean mixture, and garnish with the mint leaves. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition information per serving (1 heaping cup of green bean/lamb mixture and 1/2 cup bulgur): Calories: 337; total fat: 17 g; saturated fat: 6 g; cholesterol: 41 mg; sodium: 287 mg; carbohydrates: 33 g; dietary fiber: 9 g; sugar: 8 g; protein: 16 g. This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

TOM MCCORKLE FOR THE WASHINGTON POST Blistered green beans with lamb and aromatic spices.