French Green Beans and Shallots

My garden is bursting with French green beans and shallots and what better way to feast on this bounty than by making a simple and absolutely delicious summer dish. These vegetables are in peak season so please find them at your local markets and join me in making this!

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups water

1 pound firm green beans, cleaned

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon lemon juice

PREPARATION:

Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.

At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and saute for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.

Add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

YIELDS 4 SERVINGS