Simple Garlicky Lima Beans

This is a delicious and easy way to prepare any kind of fresh beans or peas. You can add these cooked beans to salads. For another option, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle with crushed red pepper or a few slices of parmesan cheese.
Beans are sorted and washed; dried. Combine the beans and the following 5 ingredients (with the bay leaf) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.