• 1 pound green beans
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots or spring onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• lemon juice
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place whole beans in a shallow gratin dish or bowl with finely chopped shallots or spring onions and butter, and steam over boiling water in a tightly closed saucepan or double steamer until tender - 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper.