Boil and Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook green beans for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked to your desired tenderness. Once done cooking, immediately blanch green beans in an ice water bath. Drain once beans have cooled to room temperature.
1 pound green beans
Toast Garlic and Almonds: While green beans are blanching, combine butter or olive oil, garlic, and almonds in the large pot over medium heat. Stir for 1-2 minutes or until garlic is browned slightly.
2 tablespoons butter, 1 clove garlic, ¼ cup sliced almonds
Mix and Serve: Add drained green beans, salt, and lemon juice to the pot. Toss and warm up green beans for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with additional toasted almonds and lemon zest, if desired.
½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, Lemon zest
Notes
Green beans: Choose fresh green beans for this recipe.
Nuts: Sub in another variety if you're allergic to almonds.
Prep-Ahead: Boil and blanch the green beans and then keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Toss with the butter and garlic sauce and toast the almonds on the day of serving.
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Note that they may lose some of the crisp texture.
Reheating: Warm them up in a skillet with a bit of oil or butter. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.