GREEN BEANS WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

HOW TO PREPARE 

Difficulty Level:    
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:  
1 lb. Green Beans, trimmed
2 Tbls. Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup Raw Sliced Almonds
2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
Zest of Small Lemon
2 tsp. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
Salt to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
 
 
How to prepare the Beans:  
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt. Salting the cooking water ensures that the beans will be seasoned properly inside and out.
  2. Blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until they are crisp-tender. It's important to slightly undercook the green beans because they will keep cooking when you transfer them to the skillet.
  3. Meanwhile, toast almonds in the oven at 300-325 F until golden.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat until lightly bubbling. Reduce the heat and add minced garlic. Keep stirring for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water directly to the skillet. Saute briefly, gently tossing the beans until evenly combined and the green beans are tender.
  6. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and toss one more time. 
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  8. Sprinkle toasted Almonds over the top and serve immediately.