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Ingredients
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Green Beans
Seasoning & Finish
Method
Green Beans
- 1
Trim the beans
Rinse the green beans and trim the stem ends. If any beans are very long, halve them so they cook evenly.
- 2
Bring blanching water to a boil
In a large pot bring 1200 ml water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbs kosher salt to the water (this seasons the beans while blanching).
- 3
Blanch
Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook until bright green and just tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes depending on thickness. Taste one to check doneness — it should have a slight snap.
- 4
Shock in ice bath
While beans blanch, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with 500 ml cold water and ice. As soon as the beans reach doneness, immediately transfer them with a slotted spoon into the ice bath to stop cooking. Leave in the ice bath for about 1 minute to cool completely.
- 5
Drain and dry
Drain the beans thoroughly in a colander and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Removing excess water prevents sputtering when you sauté.
Seasoning & Finish
- 6
Toast almonds (optional)
If using almonds, warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside to prevent burning.
- 7
Warm skillet and aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tbs olive oil and 2 tbs unsalted butter. When the butter melts and begins to foam, add the 2 sliced garlic cloves and sauté, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden and fragrant, 30 to 45 seconds (don't let it brown too much or it will be bitter).
- 8
- 9
Finish with lemon and seasonings
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbs fresh lemon juice. Season with 0.5 tsp kosher salt (finish) and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in 0.125 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss to combine, taste, and adjust salt or lemon as desired.
- 10
Serve
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top if using. Serve immediately while warm.
