Fresh Green Beans with Garlic (Printable version)
Tender green beans sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a crisp, flavorful side.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
→ Oils & Seasoning
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
06 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 minutes until just tender and bright green in color.
02 - Drain the beans immediately and plunge into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic.
04 - Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly blistered.
05 - Season with sea salt and black pepper, tossing to distribute evenly. Optionally, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with toasted sliced almonds before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beans stay crisp tender not mushy like so many sad vegetable sides
- Garlic and olive oil transform humble beans into something guests actually reach for first
02 -
- Never skip the ice bath after blanching or your beans will turn dull gray and keep cooking past perfect
- Dry your beans thoroughly before hitting the hot oil so they sear instead of steam
03 -
- Buy the thinnest beans you can find for the most delicate texture
- Toast your almonds in the same pan before starting for one less dish to wash