This is popular in Northern Spain and Portugal.

1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds green beans, cut into 3-inch pieces
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cook and stir onion and garlic in oil in 3-quart saucepan until onion is tender. Add remaining ingredients except cheese. Cover and simmer over low heat until beans are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Yields 6 servings.