Green Beans Toasted Almonds Lemon (Print Version)
Crisp green beans combined with toasted almonds and fresh lemon zest for a vibrant side.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 1 clove garlic, minced
→ Nuts
03 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds
→ Seasonings & Others
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer almonds to a small bowl and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the oil and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant that cares about details
- The contrast between crisp beans and toasted almonds makes every bite interesting
- Lemon brightens everything without making it sour, just alive
02 -
- The ice bath is not optional unless you want army-green beans instead of bright ones
- Don't walk away from the toasting almonds, not even for a second, they burn faster than you think
- Lemon zest contains the aromatic oils that juice lacks, so do not skip it
03 -
- Buy the slimmest beans you can find, they cook more evenly and feel more elegant
- Use a microplane for the lemon zest so it dissolves into the dish rather than sitting in strips