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 recipe has been a staple side for my family dinners, bringing both freshness and texture to our meals.
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
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch green 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 My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this side dish, especially during weekend dinners.
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.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large bowl for ice water, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds). Gluten-free and dairy-free. Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Pin It This dish brings a fresh crunch to any meal and can be quickly adapted with different nuts or spices.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do I keep green beans crisp?
Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, then quickly shock them in ice water to stop cooking and preserve their crispness and bright color.
- → What is the best way to toast almonds?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma, which takes about 2 minutes.
- → Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts make great alternatives and provide a different texture and flavor profile while maintaining nutty richness.
- → How do I cook the garlic without burning it?
Sauté sliced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about one minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- → What seasonings enhance this side dish?
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are classic; a splash of lemon juice adds brightness, and red pepper flakes can give a spicy kick if desired.