French Green Beans and Shallots

I don't know why it is so tough to find a good green bean recipe!  This is a really basic one and it works - that little touch of lemon is great.  You can add bacon or almonds but resist the temptation to add balsamic vinegar.  Also, don't overcook the beans - 3 to 4 minutes should be enough to achieve crunchiness.

4 servings
5 calculated points

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

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 and serve.