Rinse beans with cool water in a colander or a sink. Shake them off, trim the stem ends, and cut very long beans in half. Fill a large pot with just enough water to cover the beans. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then add the freshly washed and trimmed beans to the water. Once the water comes to a boil again, turn the heat down and let the beans simmer for about 4 minutes or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans, season them with salt and pepper and serve immediately. You can also season green beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced shallot.
Fill a pot with 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of water and set the steamer basket into the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and bring the pot to a boil. When boiling, remove the lid and add the freshly washed and trimmed beans to the steamer basket. Turn the heat down to medium and put the lid back on. Cook for about 2 minutes and then test for doneness. They should be tender but still crisp. Season and serve immediately.
Add freshly washed and trimmed green beans to a microwave safe bowl or container. Add 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of water and then cover tightly with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should not be touching the beans. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes then pierce the plastic wrap being careful of escaping steam. Test for doneness, then season and serve immediately.
