Green Bean Plaki(Armenian Bean-Vegetable Dish)  
["1/2 c. water", "3/4 tsp. salt, divided", "1 lb. green beans, trimmed and cut diagonally in 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 c.)", "1 large onion, sliced thin", "1 large clove garlic, crushed", "3 Tbsp. oil (preferably olive)", "2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 c.)", "parsley to taste plus some for garnish", "1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper", "lemon slices (optional)"]
["In a large saucepan, bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.", "Add green beans; bring to a boil.", "Cover and cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.", "Drain and set aside.", "In same saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender (5 to 7 minutes).", "Stir in green beans, tomatoes, parsley, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.", "Bring to a boil.", "Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.", "Serve hot, cold or at room temperature. Garnish with additional parsley (and lemon slices if desired). Makes 3 cups (approximately 4 servings)."]
["water", "salt", "green beans", "onion", "clove garlic", "oil", "tomatoes", "parsley", "freshly ground pepper", "lemon slices"]