Prepare to transform the humble green bean into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This simple yet sophisticated recipe elevates ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish that's bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients and some clever cooking techniques, you'll create a vibrant, aromatic vegetable side that's both healthy and absolutely mouthwatering.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim the ends by snapping or cutting off the tough stem ends.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the beans' flavor.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes to stop the cooking process and preserve the beans' bright green color.
- Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and maintain a vibrant green color.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the blanched green beans to the prepared ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the green beans completely and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the dried thyme to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and oil.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the garlic and thyme mixture.
- Sauté the green beans for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and flavor distribution.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to toss the beans to distribute the seasoning.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring the garlic and thyme are evenly distributed over the green beans.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is key: The initial boiling and ice bath technique ensures your green beans remain crisp, tender, and maintain their bright green color.
- Don't rush the garlic: Sauté garlic carefully to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh green beans and high-quality dried thyme will significantly enhance the dish's overall taste.
- Pat beans completely dry after blanching to ensure they sauté properly and get a slight crisp edge.
- Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Serve immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to preserve their texture and maximize flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
