Save A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
This dish has become a family favorite for quick weeknight dinners and holiday sides alike.
Ingredients
- Green beans: 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 2&3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 3&4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp-tender.
- Step 5:
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional lemon juice. Toss to combine.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and serve immediately.
Save My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this simple yet flavorful side dish, especially during holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the green beans with roasted meats or toss them into a grain bowl for a light vegetarian meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Variations
Try substituting hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Save
This dish is a perfect quick side that adds freshness and texture to any meal.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure green beans stay crisp?
Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, then immediately immerse them in ice water to halt cooking. This preserves their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts can be toasted and used as a substitute for almonds to provide a different but equally delicious crunch.
- → What is the best oil for sautéing the garlic and beans?
Olive oil is ideal due to its flavor and cooking properties, but you can also use mild vegetable oil if preferred.
- → How do I avoid burning the garlic during sautéing?
Sauté the sliced garlic over medium heat for just about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
- → Can I add a spicy element to this dish?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in during sautéing adds a pleasant spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor.