PUMPKIN WITH GREEN BEANS

An unusual and colourful dish, pumpkin with green beans make an excellent accompaniment to risottos or omelets.

Preparation and cooking time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

1 1/2 lb pumpkin, peeled and cut into 2 inch cubes
4 pints of water
2 teaspoons salt
1 lb green beans, trimmed
4 oz or 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Put the pumpkin into a large saucepan. Pour over half of the water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Place the pan over moderately high heat and bring the water to the boil. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook the pumpkin for 20 minutes or until it is just tender. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the pumpkin in a colander. Set aside.

meanwhile, put the green beans into a large saucepan. Pour in the remaining water and add the remaining salt. Place the pan over moderately high heat and bring the water to the boil. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook the green beans for 20 minutes, or until they are tender. Remove the pan from the heat. Drain the beans in a colander. Arrange them on the bottom of a large, warmed serving dish and keep warm. Set aside.

in a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. When the oil is hot, add the pumpkin cubes. cook them, stiffing and turning occasionally for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are lightly browned. With a slotted spoon, transfer the pumpkin cubes to the serving dish with the green beans. Serve at once.