Description
Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds is a quick and elegant side dish featuring fresh green beans blanched to retain their crispness, then sautéed with garlic, butter, and olive oil. Toasted sliced almonds add a delightful crunch, while lemon zest and juice provide a bright, refreshing finish. This light and flavorful recipe is perfect for holiday meals or any time you want a wholesome vegetable side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Oils & Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Nuts
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green but remain crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Toast the almonds: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they are golden brown and fragrant, remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the green beans: In the same skillet, combine olive oil and butter and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
- Toss and season: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them evenly. Season with salt and black pepper, cooking until the beans are tender yet crisp.
- Finish with almonds and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, and lemon juice to add brightness and a fresh flavor to the dish.
- Serve warm: Transfer the sautéed green beans with almonds to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a delicious, light side dish.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Toast the almonds carefully, as they can burn quickly; stirring frequently helps prevent this.
- Lemon zest and juice add brightness but are optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute sliced almonds with slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
