Save A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
This has become my go-to side when looking for something fresh and simple that still impresses at the dinner table.
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
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- 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 23 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 34 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.
Save This dish always sparks joy at family dinners, especially when served with a hearty main course.
Preparation Tips
Trim the green beans evenly for consistent cooking and use fresh garlic for the best aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a light pasta dish for a balanced meal.
Storage Advice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to maintain crispness.
Save 
Enjoy these green beans as a simple side that complements any meal perfectly.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do you keep green beans crisp when cooking?
Blanch green beans briefly in boiling salted water and then plunge them into ice water. This stops cooking and locks in their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- → What’s the best way to toast almonds for maximum flavor?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, about 2 minutes.
- → How can garlic be cooked without burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat and keep it moving in the pan. Remove it promptly once fragrant to avoid bitterness from burning.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts work well to provide a similar crunch and flavor profile when toasted properly.
- → What seasoning balances the green beans and almonds?
A simple mix of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the savory garlic and nutty almonds.