Active Time

　　30 min

　　Total Time

　　30 min

　　The cooking water for these beans becomes a flavorful broth to serve them in.

Ingredients

　　2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

　　2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　3 pounds fresh lima beans, shelled, or 1 pound frozen, thawed

　　1 cup water

　　Cook garlic in oil in a 2-qt. saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until pale golden. Add beans and water and simmer, covered, until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.