Green Breans with Garlic, Almonds, & Lemon
The tender-crisp green beans are a perfect blend of fresh green beans, garlic, crunchy toasted almonds, and bright lemon. Simple enough for weeknight dinners, impressive enough for your next holiday meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- 1 tsp lemon zest (zest from approx. 1 lemon)
Instructions
- First, toast the almonds. Place the slivered almonds in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook, tossing regularly, until almonds are golden brown and toasted and you begin to smell them roasting (about 2-3 minutes). Be sure to stay right with them, they burn very easily! Transfer almonds to a bowl to cool.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.
- Trim green beans, then add to the pot of boiling water. Boil for 1-2 minutes then, using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer beans into the bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps ensure the beans stay a bright green colour. Drain and set aside.
- Place butter and olive oil in the skillet you used to toast the almonds. Melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in chopped garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds to soften (again, watch carefully so it doesn't burn).
- Add the green beans and season with salt & pepper. Add toasted almonds and fresh lemon zest and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.