Pin It A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
This dish quickly became a family favorite for its fresh flavors and delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 1 lb (450 g) trimmed
- Garlic: 2 cloves 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 (optional): 1 tsp
Instructions
- Blanch beans:
- 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
- Toast almonds:
- 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
- Sauté garlic:
- In the same skillet add olive oil and sliced garlic Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned
- Cook green beans:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet Sauté stirring frequently for 3 4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp tender
- Season:
- Season with salt black pepper and optional lemon juice Toss to combine
- Serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and serve immediately
Pin It This recipe often brings everyone to the table eager for seconds
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large bowl (for ice water) Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 10 g Protein 3 g per serving
Notes
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick Substitute hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds if desired Delicious alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal
Pin It 
Enjoy this flavorful side as a quick addition to any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep green beans crisp after cooking?
Blanch the green beans briefly in boiling salted water, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop cooking. This preserves their bright color and crisp texture.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts can be toasted and used as a crunchy alternative, adding different flavors and textures.
- → What is the best way to toast sliced almonds?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- → How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté sliced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness and preserve aroma.
- → Is lemon juice necessary for this dish?
Lemon juice is optional but recommended to add a subtle brightness and enhance the overall flavor balance.