Cold String Beans with Vodka Vinaigrette

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed, or 1 pound asparagus, peeled and trimmed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup Georgian or balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Polish vodka
• 1 tablespoon sumakh, see note
• Salt and pepper
• 2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped, optional
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced, optional
• Note: edible ground sumakh is available from Mid-Eastern or Russian markets or spice shop

1. Blanch and refresh string beans in salted water.
2. In 1 tablespoon olive oil taken from the 1/2 cup, caramelize the minced shallot.
3. Put shallot, mustard, vinegar, and vodka in a blender.
4. Slowly drizzle in the remaining oil.
5. Mix in sumakh, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve over string beans (or asparagus).
7. Optional: Garnish with a little chopped hard boiled egg and/or finely diced red bell pepper.

string beans, olive oil, shallot, mustard, balsamic vinegar, vodka, sumakh, salt, eggs, red bell pepper, edible ground sumakh

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cold-string-beans-with-vodka-vinaigrette-recipe.html (may not work)