Green beans are like the unsung heroes of the veggie world—often overshadowed by the flashier broccoli or the ever-popular kale. But let me tell you, when sautéed with garlic butter, they transform into something magical. Seriously, it’s like the beans get dressed up for a fancy gala, and suddenly, they’re the stars of the show.
Steps
- Begin by filling a large saucepan with water, adding a teaspoon of salt, and bringing it to a boil. Add the green beans and cook them for about 4 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to cool.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and finely minced garlic, then stir for around 2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and crispy.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper, then give them another toss to ensure even coating. Transfer the sautéed beans to a serving dish and serve them warm.
- For advance preparation, blanch the beans as described, let them cool and dry, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly sauté them with garlic for an instant side dish.
Ingredients
- 250g (8 oz) green beans, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or butter, if preferred)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 204cal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1566IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the green beans ahead of time. Boil the beans, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them with garlic for a quick side dish.
- What is the best way to prepare the garlic for this recipe?
- It’s recommended to finely mince the garlic using a knife. Avoid using a garlic press or jarred garlic paste as these can result in a wet texture, preventing the garlic from becoming crispy and golden.
- Can this dish be served alongside Asian cuisine?
- Absolutely! This dish is versatile and pairs well with many cuisines, including Asian. For an Asian-inspired twist, you can add a small amount of minced ginger and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- What are the key ingredients for Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic?
- The essential ingredients are fresh green beans, garlic, and either olive oil or butter. For a buttery flavor, you can use clarified butter or ghee.
- How long should I boil the green beans?
- Boil the green beans for about 4 minutes, or until they turn a bright green and are just tender. Drain them afterwards and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Boil the green beans ahead of time, allow them to cool, and store them in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to serve, you only need to sauté them with garlic for a quick and easy side dish.
- Choose Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic and finely mince it with a knife instead of a garlic press to achieve crispy golden bits. Using a press can make the garlic too wet and pasty, leading to less desirable results.
- Avoid Jarred Garlic: Skip jarred garlic paste as it tends to have a sour taste and a wet texture, which won’t result in the golden, crispy pieces of garlic that enhance the dish.
- Enhance with Asian Flavors: If you’re serving the dish with Asian cuisine, consider adding a small drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired touch.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – For sautéing the green beans and garlic.
- Large Saucepan – For blanching the green beans.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Colander – For draining the blanched green beans.
- Chef’s Knife – For finely mincing the garlic.
