Kurt
Culinary Explorer
a green option for today!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for added crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- Trim the ends off the green beans. You can also cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
- Blanch the Green Beans (optional but recommended for vibrant color and tender-crisp texture):
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a towel.
- Cook the Garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Green Beans:
- Add the green beans to the skillet. Stir to coat them with the garlic butter. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
- Add Almonds (Optional):
- If using sliced almonds, add them to the skillet in the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing them to toast lightly and add a bit of crunch.
- Season the Beans:
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. If using, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and enjoy hot.