Green Beans in Black Bean Sauce

I just got off the phone with the lifestyles editor of my local paper.
Seems a recipe I submitted to the annual recipe contest was selected
as a finalist! Hurray! And, get this, it is a fat-free recipe!
Well, at least I think it is. I still don't know if black bean paste
has no fat added to it.

The cookoff is next Thursday (Oct 21). I cannot remember if I ever
posted this recipe before, but it is really good so I'll post it
again:

Green Beans in Black Bean Sauce

1 lb fresh green beans
2 Tbsp black bean paste
2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup cold water
1 Tbsp corn starch

Wash green beans and trim into bite sized pieces. Steam or microwave
with a little water until just tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold
water to stop cooking.

Mix together the black bean paste, soy sauce, water and corn starch until
very smooth.

Heat a wok or large saucepan to medium high. Add some water and the cooked
beans. When beans are heated (about 2 minutes) add the sauce. Stir
constantly to coat the beans (sauce will get very thick). Serve immediately
over hot cooked rice.

This sauce and cooking process can be used with just about any vegetable
you like. My hubby loves this recipe when made with asparagus, but last
time I checked asparagus was $3.99/lb (OUCH!).