Easy Garlic Green Beans: A Simple Italian Side Dish Recipe

Garlic green beans are a simple yet elegant side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Their bright green color and subtly sweet flavor, enhanced by the pungent aroma of garlic, make them a welcome addition to both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions. This recipe elevates the humble green bean, transforming them from a simple vegetable into a culinary delight that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times; this recipe focuses on maximizing the fresh, vibrant taste of the beans with minimal fuss.

This recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires only basic kitchen skills. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring perfectly tender-crisp green beans with a delicious garlicky flavor. Ready to learn how to make this incredibly flavorful side dish? Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Colander
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • String beans
  • Garlic
  • Regular olive oil: ¼ cup
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (to taste)
  • Pepper
  • Hot pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Green Beans and Garlic

  • Snap off the ends of the string beans. If using loose beans, remove the stems.
  • Wash the string beans thoroughly.
  • Mince or slice the garlic.
Prepare the string beans: Snap off the ends of the string beans. If using loose beans, remove the stems. (24.21)Wash the string beans thoroughly. (79.33)Prepare the garlic: Mince or slice the garlic. (84.49)
Prepare the Green Beans and Garlic

Step 2. Blanch the Green Beans

  • Add ½ cup of water to the pan, add green beans, cover, and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
  • Drain the green beans and set aside.
Cook the green beans: Add ½ cup of water to the pan, add green beans, cover, and cook for approximately 3 minutes. (106.33)Drain the green beans and set aside. (120.02)
Blanch the Green Beans

Step 3. Sauté and Season

  • In the same pan, add ¼ cup of regular olive oil and sauté the garlic until lightly golden.
  • Add green beans to the pan and coat with the garlic oil.
  • Cook the green beans until tender-crisp. Add a little more olive oil if needed.
  • Turn off the heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add ¼ cup of regular olive oil and sauté the garlic until lightly golden. (134.569)Add green beans to the pan and coat with the garlic oil. (141.86)Cook the green beans until tender-crisp. Add a little more olive oil if needed. (150.14)Season: Turn off the heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. (173.42)
Sauté and Season

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Finish with extra virgin olive oil: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. (189.11)
Finish and Serve

Read more: Sautéed White Beans with Garlic, Sage & Tomatoes: Easy Side Dish Recipe

Tips

  • Buy string beans loose for better quality and price.
  • The amount of garlic is a matter of personal preference.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 150-200
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbs: 10-15g
  • Protein: 2-3g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. What can I do if my green beans are too salty?

Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine to help balance the saltiness. You could also add a little more water to the pan and simmer for a minute or two.


This simple recipe proves that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. Your perfectly garlicky green beans will be a welcome addition to any table, impressing guests and family alike. Enjoy this versatile side dish – it’s a keeper!