Crack Green Beans

When it comes to creating a memorable meal, the sides can often steal the show. A perfect example is the Zesty Garlic Lemon Green Beans, a dish that beautifully balances vibrant flavors with a simple yet elegant presentation. This recipe not only elevates your dining experience but also offers a nutritious boost that complements any main course. Green beans are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and this dish showcases their natural crispness and versatility.

Elevate your meals with Zesty Garlic Lemon Green Beans, a vibrant and flavorful side dish that perfectly balances nutrition and taste. This recipe showcases fresh green beans sautéed with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a touch of red pepper flakes for spice. Rich in vitamins and low in calories, it's a delightful way to include more vegetables in your diet. Perfect for any occasion, these green beans are sure to impress your guests with their crisp texture and beautiful presentation. Enjoy a healthy and delicious addition to your dining table!

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Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup sliced almonds (optional for crunch)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again after a few minutes and set aside.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

Add Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them around in the oil and garlic mixture for about 3-4 minutes until they start to get a bit of color.

Season: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become slightly tender and bright.

Optional Crunch: If using, add the sliced almonds during the last minute of cooking to toast them lightly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and flavor, and serve warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings