Craving a quick, nutritious side dish that can elevate any main course? Look no further than these delectable green beans that offer maximum flavor with minimal effort! Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this versatile recipe promises to deliver a burst of freshness and color to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. The magic lies in the perfect balance of crisp green beans, optional tender potatoes, and a zesty lemon finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups potatoes, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any stems or blemished areas. If using potatoes, peel and dice them into roughly 1/2-inch cubes.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the vegetables' flavor.
- If using potatoes, add them to the boiling water first and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they are partially tender but not fully cooked.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the same pot with potatoes (or directly to boiling water if not using potatoes). Blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the vegetables in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and potatoes (if using) to the skillet.
- Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and light browning.
- Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the vegetables, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the vegetables gently to distribute the seasonings evenly and ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, bright green beans without blemishes or soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook! The key is to keep beans crisp-tender by blanching them briefly and immediately cooling in cold water.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or toasted almonds during the sautéing stage.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, you can blanch the vegetables in advance and quickly reheat before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
- For a vegan protein boost, consider adding toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
