5 - Spice Green Beans

This idea came from a Guardian post, of comments by top chefs about the best things they had eaten in 2019. No doubt I am not a top chef, but while I thought this was good and well worth doing, it was not quite that level of mind-blowing. In any case it's a ridiculously easy way to add a little twist of flavour to beans, without taking away from their essential beaniness. 

 

2 to 3 servings

up to 1 hour brewing time

10-ish minutes prep and cooking time

 

2 or 3 pieces of star anise

1 teaspoon 5-spice powder

2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

250 to 500 grams (1/2 to 1 pound) green or yellow beans

butter to serve

Put the star anise, 5-spice powder, and water into a pot and bring to a boil. Turn it off and let it brew for at least 10 minutes, up to an hour. Strain it and return the liquid to the pot. Add the salt.

Meanwhile, wash and trim the beans. 

Bring the flavoured water to a boil, and add the beans. Cover and cook for 4 to 7 minutes, until the beans are done to your liking. 

Drain well and serve them hot, with a pat of butter. 

Last year at this time I made Blueberry Pie with Coconut Topping.