Save to Pinterest A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
This dish has become a staple in my family during the warmer months because it complements almost any main course with its light crunch and fresh flavors.
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 2-3 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 3-4 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 to Pinterest My family always gathers around this dish when it appears on the table, often sharing stories from their day as they enjoy its crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 3 g.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds). Gluten-free and dairy-free. Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Serving Suggestions
This side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be included as part of a vegetarian meal.
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy this fresh flavorful dish as a quick addition to any meal that needs a healthy crunch.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I keep green beans crisp?
Blanch green beans briefly in boiling salted water, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop cooking and preserve crunch.
- → What’s the best way to toast almonds evenly?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- → Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts work well and provide a different but complementary texture and flavor profile.
- → How should garlic be cooked for optimal flavor?
Sauté sliced garlic gently in olive oil until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness and maintain aroma.
- → What enhances the final flavor of this dish?
Seasoning with sea salt, black pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors beautifully.