- 1/2 lb haricots verts or other thin green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons packaged unsweetened coconut flakes (preferably large)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Cook beans in a 3-quart saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes, then drain in a colander. Rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and drain well.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook coconut, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
- Cook mustard seeds in remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil over moderately high heat, covered, shaking skillet, until popping subsides, about 1 minute.
- Add beans to skillet with salt to taste and sauté, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Serve sprinkled with coconut.