Green Beans Toasted Almonds (Print Version)
Fresh green beans combine with toasted almonds and bright lemon zest in a quick, elegant dish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
→ Nuts
02 - ½ cup sliced almonds
→ Aromatics & Seasoning
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan)
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
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 again 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. Remove almonds from the skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the butter and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
05 - Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and gently toss. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the toasted almonds bring this irresistible crunch that makes you forget you're eating something healthy
- That perfect hit of lemon that wakes up everything on your plate without overpowering the dish
02 -
- The ice water bath isn't optional, without it your beans keep cooking and turn that drab olive green color nobody wants on their plate
- Room temperature lemons yield way more juice, and rolling them on the counter before cutting helps release even more
03 -
- Pat your beans dry after the ice bath so the butter actually coats them instead of sliding right off into the bottom of the pan
- Toast your nuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container if you want to save a few steps on busy cooking days