Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly sautéed green beans with almonds:

1. Preparation: Start by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends to remove any tough or fibrous parts.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once boiling, add the green beans and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crispiness. Drain and set aside.
3. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
5. Cook the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the garlic-infused oil.
6. Season the Green Beans: Add the lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
7. Steam the Green Beans: Pour 1/4 cup of water into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans steam for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Check occasionally to ensure they don’t overcook.
8. Combine with Almonds: Remove the lid and stir in the toasted almonds. Toss everything together for another minute to ensure the almonds are well-distributed throughout the dish.
9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sautéed green beans and almonds to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and color.