Cold String Beans with Vodka Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed, or 1 pound asparagus, peeled and trimmed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup Georgian or balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Polish vodka
• 1 tablespoon sumakh, see note
• Salt and pepper
• 2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped, optional
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced, optional
• Note: edible ground sumakh is available from Mid-Eastern or Russian markets or spice shop

Directions

Blanch and refresh string beans in salted water.

In 1 tablespoon olive oil taken from the 1/2 cup, caramelize the minced shallot.

Put shallot, mustard, vinegar, and vodka in a blender. Slowly drizzle in the remaining oil. Mix in sumakh, salt, and pepper. Serve over string beans (or asparagus).

Optional: Garnish with a little chopped hard boiled egg and/or finely diced red bell pepper.