Chinese Long Beans with Cracked Black Pepper

This recipe is a great example of how adding a few pantry staples (like sugar and soy sauce) can revitalize a simple vegetable dish.

Slideshow: Great Vegetable Sides

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, until lightly browned. Add the long beans and red pepper and stir-fry until the beans are slightly softened and browned in spots, 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar. Add the water, cover and cook over moderately low heat until it has evaporated and the beans are tender, 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to a platter and serve.