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SIMPLE SKILLET GREEN BEANS WITH LEMON AND GARLIC

SIMPLE SKILLET GREEN BEANS WITH LEMON AND GARLIC

prep: 5 MINUTES | cook: 10 MINUTES | total: 15 MINUTES | serves 4 TO 6

Green beans are the one vegetable that I can always count on—they take no time to cook, have a mild, sweet taste that even the toughest of vegetable critics will like, and pair really nicely with other fresh flavors, especially the kick of bright lemon and garlic. Whenever I cook this dish, it’s a great reminder that simplicity is best.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet with a fitted lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pepper flakes and green beans and toss with tongs or a spoon until the green beans are coated with the olive oil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring every minute or two so the green beans don’t burn. You want them to be blistered and tender, but still have a little “snap.”

2. Remove the lid and add the garlic, stirring to coat the green beans. Add the lemon zest and juice, toss, season with salt and pepper to taste, toss again, and serve immediately.