Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
A quick and elegant side dish. Crisp-tender green beans are sautéed with fragrant garlic and toasted almonds, then finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. The perfect healthy addition to any meal, ready in just 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
Toast the almonds.
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent burning.
TIPWatch the almonds closely as they can go from toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds.Sauté the garlic and green beans.
- Return the same skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the pan, tossing to coat them in the garlic oil.
Steam the beans until tender-crisp.
Pour the water into the skillet, then immediately cover with a lid. Let the beans steam for 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender but still have a slight crunch. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your beans.
Combine and finish the dish.
Remove the lid and continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing any excess water to evaporate. Turn off the heat. Add the toasted almonds and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together to combine.
Serve immediately.
Transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving dish. They are best enjoyed warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, trim off the tough stem ends of the green beans before cooking.
- 2Ensure your garlic is sliced thinly and evenly so it cooks quickly without burning.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the beans sauté rather than steam.
- 4A heavy-bottomed skillet will provide the most even heat for toasting the almonds and cooking the beans.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little bit of heat.
healthyHealthy
To reduce fat, you can use 1 tablespoon of olive oil and increase the water slightly for steaming.
quickQuick
For an even faster version, use pre-trimmed green beans. You can also skip toasting the almonds separately and add them in the last 2 minutes of sautéing.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the garlic if your kids are sensitive to it, and serve the toasted almonds on the side for them to sprinkle on top.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Green beans provide dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The monounsaturated fats from olive oil and almonds support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Good Source of Vitamins
This dish is a good source of Vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy side dish. Green beans are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while almonds and olive oil provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.