Broccoli and French Beans

In a large pot, bring 6 litres of salted water to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready. Place broccoli into pot and cook for two minutes. You just want to parboil the broccoli at this point since you will saute it later on.

Using a spider strainer, remove broccoli from pot and shock it in a bowl of ice water. When broccoli is completely cool, place it in a colander and allow to drain. Refresh the bowl of iced water.

Bring the water back to a boil. Add beans and cook for four minutes. Like the broccoli, you just want to parboil the beans.

Remove from pot with spider strainer and add to iced water. When beans are completely cool, add them to the colander and allow to drain.

In a large saute pan, heat olive oil. When almost smoking, add the garlic and saute for about 45 seconds. When the garlic starts to brown, remove immediately and discard. Overcooking the garlic will impart a very bitter taste to the dish. Add the chilli flakes, broccoli and beans to the pan and cook for five minutes.

Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.