Name: Garlic Butter Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed. Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for firm, bright green beans without blemishes.; Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter provides richness and flavor, and unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.; Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic garlic flavor that permeates the dish.; Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is essential for seasoning the green beans properly.; Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.; Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste (for a touch of heat). Red pepper flakes introduce a pleasant warmth that complements the garlic and butter.; Optional: Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh (for brightness). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a zesty touch.; Optional: Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish and freshness). Fresh parsley provides a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note.; Optional: Toasted Almonds or Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons (for texture and crunch). Toasted almonds or breadcrumbs add a delightful textural contrast to the tender green beans.

Ingredients

Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed. Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for firm, bright green beans without blemishes.
Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter provides richness and flavor, and unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic garlic flavor that permeates the dish.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is essential for seasoning the green beans properly.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste (for a touch of heat). Red pepper flakes introduce a pleasant warmth that complements the garlic and butter.
Optional: Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh (for brightness). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a zesty touch.
Optional: Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish and freshness). Fresh parsley provides a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
Optional: Toasted Almonds or Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons (for texture and crunch). Toasted almonds or breadcrumbs add a delightful textural contrast to the tender green beans.

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Instructions

Prepare the Green Beans: Begin by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure all dirt and grit are removed. Trim the ends of the green beans. You can either snap off the stem end and the pointed tip, or use a knife to trim them neatly. For a more elegant presentation, you can trim them to be roughly the same length. If using very long green beans, you might want to cut them in half or thirds for easier handling and cooking.
Blanch the Green Beans (Optional but Recommended): Blanching the green beans helps to retain their vibrant green color and achieve a tender-crisp texture. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Do not overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the next steps. Immediately remove the green beans from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or tongs and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This “ice bath” is crucial for preserving their color and crispness. Let them cool in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain them thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Drying the green beans is important to prevent the butter and garlic from sputtering when you sauté them.
Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become fragrant. Be careful not to let the butter brown or burn. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic will have a bitter taste. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a key indicator that it’s ready.
Add the Green Beans and Season: Add the blanched and dried green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the green beans to coat them evenly with the garlic butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you desire a touch of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Continue to sauté the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and tender-crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Taste the green beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. The goal is for the green beans to be tender but still retain a slight bite – they should not be mushy.
Finish and Serve: Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. If using, stir in the fresh lemon juice for a burst of brightness. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted almonds or breadcrumbs, if desired, for added flavor and texture. Serve the garlic butter green beans immediately while they are hot and flavorful. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept warm for a short period if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 120
Fat: 10
Fiber: 4