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Green Beans Recipe

Easy Green Beans

This easy green beans recipe uses a simple blanching technique to give you crisp, tender, and brightly colored beans every time. Perfect as a quick side dish or to prep for salads and casseroles.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Cooling Time 1 minute
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh green beans stems removed
  • salt for boiling water
  • ice water for cooling beans
Optional Seasonings
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1/2 lemon juice of half
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest fresh
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels

Method
 

  1. Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water.
  2. Trim off the stem ends by snapping or cutting them off.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  4. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water.
  5. Drop the trimmed beans into the boiling water and cook for exactly 2 minutes.
  6. The beans should turn bright green and stay slightly crisp.
  7. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice water bath to stop cooking.
  8. Let the beans cool for about 15 seconds, then drain well.
  9. Pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before serving or using in recipes.

Notes

Use this blanching method to prep green beans in advance for salads or casseroles. You can season them right before serving to match any meal. For added flavor, toss the beans with garlic butter, lemon zest, or toasted almonds.