Boiled French Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound French beans (green beans), trimmed and stringed (Cut into quarters lengthwise or thin slices if not very young)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (For boiling water)
• 8 cups Water (For boiling)
• 3 tablespoons Butter (For melted butter sauce)

Instructions

1. 1Cut off the stalk ends from the French beans and remove the strings along the sides. If the beans are not very young and tender, cut them lengthwise into four pieces or slice them very thinly. Place the prepared beans into a bowl of cold water as you work.
2. 2Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the salt to the boiling water.
3. 3Drain the beans from the cold water and add them to the boiling salted water. Return to a boil and cook for 30 minutes for young beans, or up to 45 minutes if the beans are older and tougher. The beans should be tender when done.
4. 4While the beans are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour the melted butter into a sauce boat or small serving bowl.
5. 5When the beans are tender, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately with the melted butter on the side for guests to add as desired.