Print

Vibrant Sautéed Green Beans with Lemon Zest and Pine Nuts

sautéed green beans with lemon zest and pine nuts - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans sautéed with garlic, bright lemon zest, and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Perfect for dinner or as a flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) pine nuts, toasted
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 grams) of green beans under cold water. Trim the ends by snapping or cutting off the tips. Pat them dry thoroughly.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup (30 grams) pine nuts and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to a bowl.
  3. Using a microplane, zest one medium lemon, avoiding the white pith. Set zest aside.
  4. Warm 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the green beans and toss to coat well with oil and garlic.
  6. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender-crisp and have a slight char in spots. Reduce heat if beans brown too fast.
  7. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  8. Remove pan from heat. Toss in toasted pine nuts and lemon zest, stirring gently to combine.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the beans. Dry green beans thoroughly before cooking to prevent oil splatter. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Add lemon zest off the heat for best flavor. Optionally blanch green beans for 2 minutes and shock in ice water to preserve color and reduce cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, sautéed green beans, lemon zest, pine nuts, quick side dish, healthy side, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/vibrant-saut-e-ed-green-beans-with-lemon-zest-and-pine-nuts-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/