Lemon Butter Green Beans

Lemon Butter Green Beans are a bright and flavourful side dish that pairs the crisp freshness of green beans with the zesty tang of lemon and the rich, comforting taste of butter. This simple yet sophisticated dish elevates green beans to a new level of deliciousness, making them a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Whether you're serving up a casual weeknight dinner or a formal holiday meal, these Lemon Butter Green Beans are sure to impress with their balance of flavours and ease of preparation.

Lemon Butter Green Beans

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Servings: 4 people

Ingredients List:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnishes: sliced almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Colander

• Grater or zester

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

3. Combine Green Beans and Lemon: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss with lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the green beans are coated in the lemon butter sauce and heated through.

4. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with optional toppings like sliced almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Grilled chicken or fish

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• A light, refreshing salad

Common Mistakes/Points of Care:

• Overcooking Green Beans: Keep an eye on the green beans during blanching to ensure they remain tender-crisp.

• Lemon Zest: Use only the yellow part of the lemon zest to avoid bitterness.

• Heat Control: Cook the garlic on medium heat to prevent it from burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

Nutritional Values (per serving):

• Calories: 80 kcal

• Protein: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 20mg

• Fiber: 3g