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 quickly became a favorite in my household for its freshness and simplicity.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Nuts: 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced almonds
- Oils & Fats: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp-tender.
- Step 5:
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional lemon juice. Toss to combine.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around when this dish is served, enjoying its crunchy texture and fresh flavors.
Recommended Pairings
This side pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can complement a vegetarian meal perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
Variations
Try substituting hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Save to Pinterest 
This dish is a quick, healthy side that brings color and crunch to any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep green beans crisp when cooking?
Blanch green beans briefly in boiling salted water, then immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking and preserve their crisp texture.
- → What’s the best way to toast almonds for this dish?
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for almonds?
Yes, hazelnuts or walnuts work well to provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
- → Why add lemon juice to the green beans?
A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds light acidity, balancing the richness of the almonds and olive oil.
- → Is olive oil necessary for sautéing garlic here?
Olive oil imparts a smooth, fruity flavor and helps gently cook garlic without browning too quickly.