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French Green Beans

Tender-crisp French green beans tossed in garlic-infused olive oil with fresh lemon juice and zest for a quick and elegant side dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound French green beans trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Trim the ends of the French green beans, cutting off both tips (about 2 minutes).
  2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat (about 7 minutes).
  3. Add the green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Immediately transfer the blanched beans to a bowl of ice water (shocking) to stop cooking and preserve color (about 2 minutes).
  5. Drain the beans and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat for 1 minute.
  6. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  7. Add the drained green beans to the pan and toss for 2 minutes to coat evenly with the garlic oil.
  8. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and lemon zest and toss briefly before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the beans—perfectly blanched beans should remain vibrant and crisp.