Yields Makes 4 servings

Notes: Serve cooked beans plain or use as directed in your favorite recipes. If making up to 1 day ahead, wrap the cool beans airtight and chill. To reheat, immerse the cooked beans in boiling water until hot, 1 to 2 minutes; drain.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil.

Step 2
2

Trim stem ends and pull any strings from fresh beans. Rinse beans and drain; leave whole or cut into 2- to 3-inch lengths.

Step 3
3

Add beans to boiling water and cook until just tender to bite, 3 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Step 4
4

Serve hot. Or immerse the beans at once in ice water until cool, to preserve texture (and, if green, their bright color). Drain and serve, or cover and chill up to 1 day.

Ingredients

 1 pound fresh beans

Directions

Step 1
1

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil.

Step 2
2

Trim stem ends and pull any strings from fresh beans. Rinse beans and drain; leave whole or cut into 2- to 3-inch lengths.

Step 3
3

Add beans to boiling water and cook until just tender to bite, 3 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Step 4
4

Serve hot. Or immerse the beans at once in ice water until cool, to preserve texture (and, if green, their bright color). Drain and serve, or cover and chill up to 1 day.

Cooked Fresh Beans

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