Recipe of the Month

Miso-Tahini Green Beans

This dish makes it easy to eat your vegetables. Although tahini is often associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, it is similar to traditional East Asian sesame paste and is more widely available in the West.

• 2 tablespoons tahini or other sesame paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white miso
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons water, or to taste
• ¾ pound green beans, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• A pinch of salt

1. Mix the tahini, lemon juice, white miso, garlic, and water together in a small bowl and stir until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. This may take a few minutes.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beams and the salt. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until done. Drain.
3. Spoon the dressing over the beans, toss well, and serve.

Especially good for: Promoting sustained energy and longevity, addressing conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and puffy joints.

For those familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine: Here, the green beans strengthen Qi and nourish Blood; the sesame nourishes the Blood and generates body fluids; the miso and lemon harmonize the Middle Burner; and the garlic warms the Stomach, strengthens the Spleen, and moves the Qi.