Flat green beans braised in olive oil

Flat green beans braised in olive oil is a classic in Turkish cuisine. While many households cook the beans with plenty of tomatoes, in the past, only one whole skinned tomato was placed in the center of the saucepan and the beans were arranged around the tomato like a fan. It was simmered until the liquid was totally absorbed leaving only the olive oil. Once cool, the beans were carefully turned over onto a serving dish, making this a very elegant dish for a dinner party.