Note: Chefs today will be surprised at how good a well-cooked green bean can be, and particularly with achiote paste. Use young and fresh green beans.

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 8 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• 3 Jalapeño peppers, seeded and membranes removed
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 Beefsteak tomatoes, roasted, peeled and crushed
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons oregano, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 ounce achiote paste
• Juice of 2 oranges
• 1 cup water
• 2½ pounds green beans, trimmed
• Salt, to taste

Method:
Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Heat the oil in an oven-proof casserole dish over medium-low heat. Cook the onions and jalapeños until they are soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, sugar, achiote paste, orange juice and water. Bring mixture to a boil, and then add the green beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes; season with salt, to taste. Transfer casserole dish to the oven and bake for 2 hours.