Green beans can stand alone as a side dish. Add a little salt and pepper, and you’re set. However, if you want to add a little flair to your beans, here are recipes from my blog that feature this classic vegetable:
Green Beans with Rays of Sunshine
Green Beans with Toasted Walnuts
Chinese Long Beans and Wild Rice with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (can substitute green beans)
Black Bean Minestrone
White Bean, Kale, and Vegetable Soup
How to prepare fresh green beans (or string beans):
Rinse beans under cold water to remove any residue. Using your hands, snap off the ends of each bean. Discard the ends. Use whole, or cut beans to desired shape and length: crosswise, diagonally, or French-cut (i.e., cut along the length of the bean). Cook green beans according to recipe directions.