Garlic Sauteed Green Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cups green beans
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Trim the ends off the green beans and cut any extra-long ones in half.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3. Add the green beans in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring too much, letting them pick up a few charred spots.
4. Push the beans to one side of the pan, add the minced garlic to the open space, and stir it for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let it brown.
5. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender (they should still have a slight snap).
6. Remove from heat, squeeze the lemon juice over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips

• Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2 minutes and shock in ice water before sautéing for an even brighter green color.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Swap lemon juice for a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweeter finish.
• These also work great with fresh or frozen haricots verts (French green beans) for a more tender texture.