Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds fresh or frozen green beans
• 4 to 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Pimentón or more to taste 
• 3 ounces cured ham, preferably Serrano, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Coarse sea salt, if needed

Directions

If using fresh beans, trim the ends and steam them until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Immediately plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and set the color. Drain and set aside. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the bell peppers, sautéing the peppers until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and the pimentón, stirring well to distribute the spice. Add the ham and the steamed beans. Season with black pepper and, if needed, salt (the ham itself may add enough salt), and stir the beans with tongs to heat through. If they seem dry, add the rest of the oil. When the beans are ready, taste and add more pimentón, black pepper, and/or salt as desired. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1-1/2 cups water or chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium store bought
• 4 strands saffron, optional
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

Directions

Heat a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil and butter, then the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and turmeric, stirring to coat the grains. Add the water or broth and saffron, if using, and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, checking after 15 to see if all the liquid has been absorbed. When done, turn off the heat, fluff with a fork, fold in the peas, and cover the saucepan for 2 minutes before serving.