Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter (no substitutes), softened
• 1-1/2  teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
• 1-1/2  teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
• 3/4  teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 3  fennel bulbs (3 pounds)
• 1-3/4  pounds fresh green beans, trimmed if desired

Directions

1. Stir together butter, fennel seeds, lemon peel, pepper, and salt.

2. Cut off and discard upper stalks of fennel bulbs. Remove any wilted outer layers; cut off a thin slice from the fennel base. Wash fennel; cut into quarters. Remove cores. Cut fennel lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips.

3. Place beans in a 4-quart Dutch oven. Cook beans, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water 4 to 5 minutes. Add fennel strips to beans. Cook 6 to 10 minutes more or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain. Toss fennel and beans in the bowl with the seasoned butter. Transfer to a serving dish. Makes 10 to 12 servings.