Boiled Green Beans
Drop 1 pound topped and tailed green
beans in rapidly boiling water to cover. Boil until crispy tender,
about 4 minutes. Drain. If you are planning to use them cold, refresh
them under cold running water immediately after draining. Very thin
green beans, especially haricots verts, will take only 2 to 3 minutes
to be crisply tender. Be careful not to overcook.
Steamed Green Beans
Arrange 1 pound topped and tailed green
beans in a colander or steamer basket. Steam, covered, over simmering
water until crisply tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Very thin green beans will
take only 3 to 4 minutes, be careful not to overcook. If not serving
the beans at once, or if they are to be served cold, refresh them under
cold running water to preserve the green color.
Microwave Green Beans
Arrange 1 pound topped and tailed green
beans evenly in a microwaveable dish. Add 2 tablespoons water. Cover
and vent. Microwave on high 5 to 6 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes before
removing the cover.
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