Save Pin A vibrant, crisp side dish featuring tender green beans, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds for a perfect blend of flavor and crunch.
I love serving this sautéed green beans dish as a fresh side that always gets compliments from my family.
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.
- Add almonds and serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and serve immediately.
Save Pin This recipe has become a favorite for family dinners especially during busy weekdays when a quick healthy side is needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 120 calories, 8 g total fat, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Variations
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or substitute hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Delicious alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Save Pin 
This simple side dish adds freshness and crunch to any meal in just minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the green beans crisp?
Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then quickly transfer to ice water to stop cooking. This preserves their vibrant color and crunch.
- → Can I toast the almonds without oil?
Yes, toasting almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat works well. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- → What is the best way to slice garlic for sautéing?
Thinly slice the garlic cloves so they cook evenly and release their aroma without browning too quickly.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing for a mild heat that complements the nuttiness.
- → Are there alternatives to almonds for this dish?
Hazelnuts or walnuts can be used toasted instead, offering a different but equally pleasant crunch and flavor.