Garlicky green beans with olive oil
This dish features crisp green beans sautéed in olive oil with a hint of garlic, offering a simple yet flavorful side. Perfect for complementing various main courses, it’s quick to prepare and nutritious.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
4 cups green beans2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
Garlicky green beans with olive oil is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a dose of healthy greens to their meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish that everyone will love.
Instructions:
- Trim the ends of the green beans and wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the boiling water.
- Carefully add the green beans to the pot. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes or until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- While the beans are blanching, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Once the green beans are ready, immediately transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color. Let them sit in the ice water for a couple of minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 1-2 minutes.
- If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt over the beans.
- Sauté the beans, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and slightly blistered. You want them to have a bit of a char for added flavor.
- Transfer the garlicky green beans to a serving dish.
- You can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top if desired and season with additional salt to taste.
- Serve your delicious garlicky green beans warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Garlicky green beans with olive oil is a versatile and nutritious dish that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you're serving it as a side for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it's sure to be a hit. The simplicity of this recipe allows the fresh, natural flavors of the green beans to shine through, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Garlicky green beans with olive oil FAQ:
Blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. This timing helps ensure they retain their color and crunch.
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. There's no need to blanch them; simply sauté them in the skillet until heated through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
You can use any kind of salt you prefer, such as kosher salt or sea salt. Just ensure you evenly distribute it, especially when seasoning during cooking.
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or season with ingredients like lemon juice or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Choose fresh, bright green beans without any blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanch the green beans before sautéing to retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Avoid adding too much salt initially; you can always adjust the seasoning at the end.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
- Feel free to toss in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 30kcal
Protein 1.83g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 2.70g
Sugar 3.26g
Fat 7g
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