Cook the beans in boiling lightly salted water until tender, 8-15 minutes depending on whether fresh or frozen.

Meanwhile toast the sesame seeds under a moderate grill to brown them evenly.

Drain the beans, and put the butter in the pan. Melt it quickly and when just beginning to brown add the lemon juice and pepper. Tip the beans back into the pan and toss well in the butter.

Serve sprinkled with the sesame seeds.

Fresh broad bean pods may be a little discoloured. The actual beans inside can be perfect so do not discard without splitting the pod open to check.