Simply Delicious Green Beans

Serves four as a side dish.

To learn more, read:
Bountiful Snap Beans
by Ruth Lively
from Fine Cooking
Issue 66
Last Edit Date: 6/14/2011 1:53:09 PM

To really enjoy the fresh flavor of green beans, cook them just until tender (don't undercook or overcook) and dress them simply with your best olive oil and plenty of sea salt. Then, if you feel like gussying up the dish, add a flavorful extra or two (see the ideas at the end of the recipe).

more about:

1 lb. fresh, tender green beans
1-1/2 Tbs. best-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. fleur de sel or other medium-grain sea salt; more to taste

Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat. Rinse the beans and trim away their stems. Boil the beans just until tender, 4 to 5 min. for regular green beans, less for extra-thin filet beans. Drain well. Spread the beans on a platter or shallow serving dish. If there is still water clinging to them, let them dry briefly. While the beans are still hot, drizzle with the olive oil. Toss gently with your hands or two serving forks, turning the beans until they're evenly coated with oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, toss, and serve warm.

Variations

If you like, add one or two of the following extras and toss while still warm:

a little creamy goat cheese
slivered sun-dried tomatoes
quartered cherry tomatoes
grated lemon or orange zest
sliced green onions
blanched corn kernels
quartered pitted olives
paper-thin slices of radish
shredded endive or radicchio
toasted pine nuts or almonds
fresh mint or chervil leaves

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on four servings; Calories (kcal): 80; Fat (g): 5; Fat Calories (kcal): 50; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 2; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3; Carbohydrates (g): 8; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 150; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 4;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by emcooks, 1/1/2009As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. Such simplicity for such a delicious result. My kids gobbled these up!

by JaniceJ, 12/31/2008This simple-to-prepare recipe is absolutely scrumptious. I used my best olive oil, fleur de sel, finely chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated lemon zest. Tantalizing aroma + beautiful colour = rave reviews from my guests. This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper.

by ladypotter, 8/5/2008Simple is often the best. Be sure to salt it well and be generous w/the olive oil. Use a nice fragrant oil. I used lemon zest. Perfect.

by CelticKate, 7/15/2008So simple and so good. Make sure to use a really good extra virgin olive oil.