Place a steamer basket in a large pot that has been filled with an inch of water.

Add green beans, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and steam beans until tender. Check often to see if more water needs to be added. (For crunchier beans, omit this step)

In a large skillet add 3 tablespoons olive oil and heat on medium.

Add chopped garlic and stir for 1 minute.

Remove beans from the steamer pot and add them to the garlic oil.

Sprinkle with pepper and salt.

Reduce heat to low, and continue to saute the beans for 5 minutes, incorporating the flavorful garlic oil and the beans together.