Ingredients:

• 8 ounces small, thin green beans (2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse beans; drain. If desired, trim tips off beans.
2. Place a steamer basket in a large skillet. Add water to just below the bottom of basket. Bring water to boiling. Place beans in steamer basket; cover. Reduce heat; steam for 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water or plunge into ice water. Drain well.
3. Combine beans, shallot, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; toss gently to mix. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill for 2 hours.