Green Beans Lemon Almonds (Printable version)

Fresh green beans brightened with lemon and topped with crunchy toasted almonds for a vibrant side.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

→ Nuts

02 - ½ cup sliced almonds

→ Flavorings

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
04 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - ½ tsp sea salt
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

# How To:

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 plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
02 - While the beans cook, toast the sliced almonds in a large, dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat in the butter and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast of crisp tender beans and crunchy almonds creates the most satisfying texture in every bite
  • Fresh lemon brightens everything without overpowering the delicate green bean flavor
  • Ready in twenty minutes flat but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
  • The ice bath step is not optional it stops the cooking process instantly and keeps your beans crisp instead of mushy
  • Dry your beans thoroughly after the ice bath or they will steam instead of sauté in the butter
  • Add the almonds at the very end so they stay perfectly crunchy
03 -
  • Buy the thinnest green beans you can find they cook more evenly and stay tender longer
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to avoid any bitter white pith

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