Save A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
This simple recipe quickly became a favorite side dish in my household for its freshness and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans: trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic: thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced almonds: toasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil: for sautéing
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: or to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: for seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional): for brightening flavor
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 loves this dish as a fresh alternative to heavier sides especially during summer dinners.
Tips for Perfect Green Beans
Make sure to dry the green beans well after blanching to avoid splattering when sautéing the garlic.
Variations
Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or experiment with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This side pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Save
Enjoy this crisp vibrant side as a fresh accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you keep green beans crisp?
Blanch green beans briefly in boiling salted water, then shock them in ice water to stop cooking. This technique maintains their bright color and crisp texture.
- → What is the best way to toast almonds?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts can be substituted for almonds to provide a different but equally delicious crunch and flavor.
- → Is lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice is optional but recommended to add brightness and balance the richness of the garlic and almonds.
- → How do you avoid garlic burning while sautéing?
Sauté garlic on medium heat for a short time, about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can become bitter.