Boil 1 1/4 pounds green beans until tender; drain. Brown 3 sliced garlic cloves and 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a skillet with olive oil. Crush in a 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, add a handful each of basil and parsley and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Simmer 10 minutes. Add the beans, cover and cook 10 minutes, then uncover and cook 3 more minutes to thicken.
Photograph by Antonis Achilleos
Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine