A delightful twist on the classic garlic green beans, this recipe enhances the flavors with a touch of lemon and almond crunch.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.
Salting the water helps to season the beans as they cook.
Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Blanching the beans helps to preserve their vibrant green color.
Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Shocking the beans in ice water ensures they remain crisp and retain their color.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
Tossing the beans ensures they are evenly coated with the flavorful butter.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the beans and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Adding lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the beans and serve immediately.
Toasting the almonds beforehand can add an extra layer of flavor.