Garlic Green Beans
A vibrant and comforting dish made with tender-crisp green beans sautéed in aromatic garlic, perfect as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed Choose bright green beans that are firm and crisp.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Monitor closely as garlic can burn quickly.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) Adds brightness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust the amount for desired heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends of each bean by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife.
Blanching
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the trimmed green beans. Blanch for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Transfer the blanched beans immediately to a bowl of ice water for a couple of minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Carefully add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic oil.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the green beans. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If using, drizzle the lemon juice over the beans just before removing them from the heat.
Serving
- Transfer the Garlic Green Beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be made in advance by blanching the beans and sautéing them before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.