Ingredients:

• 1 lb French beans - topped and tailed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 -2 garlic cloves
• 3 ozs Cheshire or Cheddar cheese - grated
• Salt
• Paprika
• 2 tomatoes - sliced

Method:

Put the top and tailed beans into a pan of lightly salted boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.  Drain well.

Coat an ovenproof dish with some of the olive oil.

Cut the garlic gloves in half and rub over the ovenproof dish.

Place the french beans evenly over the base of the dish and brush liberally with the remaining olive oil.

Spinkle the grated cheese over the beans, sprinkle with paprika and top with tomato slices.

Cook in the upper part of the oven at 190 degrees, Gas Mark 5, for 20 minutes.

Serves 4 as either a starter with garlic bread or for a light meal accompanied with cold gammon or ham.