Buttery Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Introduction:

This Buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe features crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and lemon juice for brightness. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Blanch the Green Beans:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
   • Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their color. Drain again after a few minutes and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Green Beans:
   • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the butter and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Season the green beans with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Toss again to combine.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing:

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations:

• Add Nuts: Toasted almonds or pine nuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans for a cheesy twist.
• Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a little extra butter if needed.

10 FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen green beans?
   • Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just cook them according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe.
2. What’s the best way to trim green beans?
   • Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut off the stem ends of the green beans.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor may not be as rich.
4. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
   • Sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • It’s best served fresh, but you can blanch the green beans a day ahead and finish the recipe before serving.
6. Can I make this dish vegan?
   • Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative such as olive oil or a vegan butter.
7. Is there a substitute for lemon juice?
   • If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use a splash of white wine vinegar or simply omit it.
8. How can I make the dish spicier?
   • Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
9. What other vegetables can I add?
   • Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or sliced carrots for additional flavor and texture.
10. Can I freeze leftover green beans?
    • Yes, but the texture may change. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and use within 2-3 months.

Conclusion: Buttery Garlic Green Beans are a delightful side dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With the rich taste of garlic butter and the option to add a touch of spice or brightness with lemon, this dish complements a wide range of main courses. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these green beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best experience!

Buttery Garlic Green Beans Recipe

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• Author: khaoula belabess
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Buttery Garlic Green Beans is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and lemon juice for brightness, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley and makes a delightful accompaniment to a variety of main courses.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Blanch the Green Beans:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
  • Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their color. Drain again after a few minutes and set aside.
• Sauté the Garlic:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Cook the Green Beans:
  • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the butter and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Season and Serve:
  • Season the green beans with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Toss again to combine.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Blanching helps to keep the green beans vibrant and crisp.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Lemon juice adds brightness, but can be omitted if you prefer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg