August Bean Salad (Insalata Di Fagiolini)

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb tomato (preferably heirloom)
• 1 lb yellow string bean, trimmed
• 1 lb green string bean, trimmed
• 2 small carrots, julienned
• 1/2 bunch chives, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 small summer squash, julienned
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, shaved (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Bring saucepan of salted water to boil. Drop tomatoes into water and boil 30 seconds; drain, peel, seed and cut into ¼ inch pieces.

2. 2

   Steam beans until crisp-tender. Immediately chill in ice water; drain.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine beans, carrots, chives, squash and tomato strips. Add oil, vinegar and generous pinch salt and pepper; stir gently to combine. Top with cheese and serve.