String Beans with Tomatoes

Prepare green beans by cutting off tips and cutting into 2-inch pieces. Place green beans in a medium sauce pan; add ground pepper and enough water to cover green beans. Over high heat, bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, celery, thyme, and scallions to sauce pan and simmer an additinal 10 minutes, until the green beans and celery are tender.