Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (450g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml) (or balsamic vinegar)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash and trim the green beans. Snap off the stem end and any stringy bits. Pat them dry with a clean tea towel.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them with the garlic-infused oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Sauté the green beans for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. They should still have a bit of a snap to them.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar).
  6. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds (if using) and serve immediately.