Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh green beans (pole beans)
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
Directions:
In a large pot, add water and let come to a boil. Wash beans thoroughly. Cut ends off of each bean. Wash again. Cut the beans into 2 inch pieces. Once the water is boiling, add green beans, salt and pepper into the pot. Cover and let beans continue to boil for about 30 minutes. The beans should look a darker green. Once the beans have boiled for 30 minutes, reduce heat to a simmer. Add butter and continue to let cook for about another 45 minutes uncovered. If water has evaporated, add a little water to the pot and continue to cook.
Note: If you prefer, you can add ham hock or chicken stock to the beans when you first place them in the boiling water.
Note: If preferred, canned green beans can be used. Just skip adding the water and cooking for 30 minutes covered.