Instructions: Clean green beans, removing strings and hard ends. Leave whole or cut into segments, if desired. Steam or blanch beans until just tender. Have ready a bowl of ice water. Drain beans and immediately plunge them into ice water.

This will help to retain their bright green color. Drain beans and spread them on a dish towel to dry.

Toast sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until they just begin to brown. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Grind sesame seeds in a spice grinder or crush with mortar and pestle.

In a serving bowl, combine ground sesame seeds, ginger root, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Add the beans and toss well to coat.

Serve at room temperature, sprinkled with addl sesame seeds, if desired.

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