With a touch of garlic, butter, and salt and pepper, you would think these green beans are five-star quality. This simple recipe for Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic is made with fresh green beans, making it a healthy, delicious side dish for holiday meals!
Last year, I had a group of friends over and cooked a lavish meal for them that was a little on the expensive side, but definitely on the delicious and memorable side. I made my Braised Short Ribs with Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Creme Brulee Cheesecake, and these Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic. It was a meal and conversation to remember!
Although my friends could access the first two recipes on my blog, they really wanted my recipe for the green beans. This surprised me because I thought it was so simple, and it’s the normal way I cook my fresh green beans. I vowed to them I would document how I make my green beans so they, and you, can have it.
The way I make these green beans may be a bit unusual to some of you, but it works for me every time. I have made fresh green beans the long way which is to boil them with some sort of smoked meat and salt and pepper. But when I don’t feel like going through that process and want something a bit faster, this is my go-to recipe.
I start off with adding some olive oil to a large shallow pan, then I add in the green beans. I cover the pan and let them sizzle for a little bit. Then, I add a little water, cover and allow it to steam-cook for about 20-25 minutes. Finally, I add some freshly diced garlic, salt and pepper, some butter, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. That’s it!
The best thing about these green beans is that they aren’t incredibly crunchy. They’re soft with a slight crunch. If you want them to be less crunchy, you can cook them for less time, and if you want them even softer, cook them a little longer. However you decide to make these green beans, I guarantee you will love the flavor.
Ingredients- 2 lb. Fresh Green beans, edges trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 c. water
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 1⁄2 tsp. Salt
- 1 1⁄2 tsp pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Directions- In a large shallow pan on medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add the green beans to the pan and use a large spatula to toss periodically for about 5 minutes. Then, add a half cup of water. Keep the heat on medium, cover with lid and allow to cook for 20-25 minutes. Check on the beans periodically and flip them, as needed.
- Add the garlic, salt and pepper. Squeeze the lemon wedge over the green beans, and butter and stir once more. Allow to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes and serve!
Check out more tasty Healthspirations recipes, for all seasons and occasions.