Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients

• Green beans (1 pound, trimmed)
• Salt (1 teaspoon (for blanching))
• Salt (to taste (for seasoning))
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Almonds (1/2 cup, sliced)
• Butter (4 tablespoons, unsalted)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the green beans and blanch them for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. This step will help retain their vibrant color and crunch.
2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced almonds to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the almonds are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Introduce the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the buttery almond mixture. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
6. Serve the Green Bean Almondine warm, garnished with additional toasted almonds if desired, for an extra crunch and presentation.