Green Bean Extravaganza

Here in Saskatchewan, it's bean-pickin' time! And this dish is an absolutely fabulous way to prepare them. It's all about the butter. Or is it the herbs? Or maybe the onion. Definitely the sunflower seeds. Just try it. 

1/4 c butter, softened

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

1/2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp chopped parsley (or 1/2 tsp dried)

1 tsp chopped chives

1/8 tsp dried savory

1/8 tsp dried thyme

1 lb green stringbeans

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

boiling salted water

1/4 c sunflower seeds

salt and pepper

Mix first 8 ingredients together.

Wash beans, remove ends. 

Put onion and garlic in boiling water (just enough to cover the bottom) in a large frying pan. 

Add beans, cover, and cook at medium heat until crisp-tender (about 8 minutes).

Pour off excess liquid.

Add the herb butter and sunflower seeds and mix. 

Add salt and pepper to taste and toss over medium heat for 1 minute.

* original recipe, probably with a different name, from The New Natural Foods Cookbook