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EVERYDAY COMFORT · CLEAR STEPS

Lemon Garlic Green Beans

A bright vegetable side with tender green beans, gentle garlic and fresh lemon. A covered skillet cooks the beans before a quick toss in the dressing.

TOTAL TIMEAbout 15 minutes
SERVES4 servings
YOU'LL NEEDLarge skillet with a fitted lid
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Green beans and lemon wedges in a skillet
Lemon Garlic Green Beans, ready to serve.

Recipe draft · Reviewed editorially, not kitchen tested by us. Prep: about 5 minutes. Cooking: about 10 minutes. Times vary with equipment and ingredient size. No major US allergens intentionally included. Check labels and cross contact for your requirements.

LET'S MAKE SOMETHING GOOD

One step at a time.

  1. Prepare the ingredients

    Trim the stem ends from the beans and rinse them. Mince the garlic. Zest the lemon before cutting it, then measure the juice. Keep the oil and seasonings within reach.

    WHAT TO LOOK FOR

    Beans of similar thickness cook together. Very thick beans may need a little longer under the lid.

  2. Steam in the skillet

    Place the beans and measured water in a large skillet. Cover and bring to a lively simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, turning once with tongs. If the pan dries before the beans soften, add another tablespoon of water and cover again.

    WHAT TO LOOK FOR

    A bean should bend slightly and be pleasant to bite, without a raw, fibrous center. Check a bean rather than relying on color alone.

  3. Add the garlic

    Uncover and let any remaining water evaporate. Turn the heat down to medium low. Add the oil and garlic, tossing for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

    WHAT TO LOOK FOR

    Garlic should stay pale. If the pan is very hot, pull it off the heat briefly before adding the garlic.

  4. Dress and taste

    Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss well, taste a bean, and add a little more lemon or salt if needed. Serve with the warm dressing spooned over the beans.

    WHAT TO LOOK FOR

    The lemon should brighten the beans rather than leave a pool of sharp liquid. Add extra juice a teaspoon at a time.

A LITTLE HELP ALONG THE WAY

Small details that matter.

01

Use the lid that fits.

The first stage relies on trapped steam. A lid that leaves a large gap lets the small amount of water disappear too quickly.

02

Finish with lemon.

Add the lemon after cooking. It keeps the flavor fresh and avoids cooking the beans for extra time in the dressing.

03

Keep the meal simple.

Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken or alongside the potato side. Begin these beans near the end so they can go straight to the table.

KEEP THE IDEAS COMING

Something else to try.

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