Frank Stitt’s Butter Beans

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 6 cups water, preferably spring water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs (plus a scattering of leaves for garnish)
• 4 savory, sprigs (plus a scattering of leaves for garnish)
• kosher salt
• 1 lb small green butter beans, picked over and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons fruity extra virgin olive oil, melted (or bacon fat or unsalted butter)
• fresh crack black pepper

Recipe

• 1 combine the water, onion, herbs, and salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
• 2 decrease heat to a simmer and cook gently for 15 minutes.
• 3 add in beans; adjust the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the beans are just tender, 15-20 minutes.
• 4 taste for seasoning, and add salt if necessary.
• 5 remove the pan from heat and let the beans rest in their liquid for 10 minutes.
• 6 serve sprinkled with herbs and drizzled with olive oil; finish with cracked black pepper.