Recipe

Green Beans, Boiled

Accompanying article: Green Beans

Allow 1½ pounds of beans for 4 people

Start with fresh green beans. (If the beans are less than fresh, you may wish to sauté them with an onion or use them in a soup or casserole where other flavors will enhance their somewhat compromised flavor.) Pick through the beans and discard any that are withered, bulging or discolored.

Cut beans into 2 to 3-inch pieces. Drop them into a large pot of boiling, salted water and cook at a full boil until they've softened but are still firm. Start tasting them after 3 or 4 minutes of cooking. Do not cover the pot, or their color fades. When they're cooked to your taste, drain, shake dry and season with butter, salt and fresh herbs such as tarragon. Green beans are best when served within a few hours of cooking.

May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood