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Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

This recipe for Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic offers a quick, vibrant side dish full of fresh flavor and a delightful garlicky aroma. The green beans are first blanched to retain their bright color and crisp-tender texture, then sautéed with minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and slightly crispy, making for an easy to prepare and healthy accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Green Beans

  • 250g (8oz) green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tsp salt (for blanching)

Sauté

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter)
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (~2 tsp)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

  1. Blanch the beans: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain the beans and rinse under cold tap water to cool them down, shaking off any excess water. This step helps maintain a crisp, tender texture and vibrant color.
  2. Sauté with garlic: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and minced garlic. Toss or stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and becomes crispy. This enhances the dish with a fragrant, nutty garlic flavor. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper, and toss again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
  3. Serve warm: Transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving dish immediately and serve warm as a fresh, light side dish.
  4. Prepare ahead (optional): To save time, blanch the beans as in step 1, then cool and dry them thoroughly. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When needed, simply toss the pre-blanched beans with sautéed garlic for an instant side dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic cloves finely minced rather than pre-minced or jarred garlic for optimal flavor.
  • Blanching the beans before sautéing ensures they cook evenly and retains their vibrant color and crunch.
  • Butter can be used instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance by blanching and refrigerating the beans, then quickly sautéing with garlic when ready to serve.