Crunchy Green Beans
"I used to LOVE going to Boston Market for their beans but they were loaded with butter and fat. You really don't need a lot of olive oil in this recipe so it's much healthier and good for the waste line. I also love the texture of the beans- very fresh."
2-3 lbs green beans (make sure they're the skinny stringless bean- I get these beans from the produce section at the grocery- you do not want to use anything like Greasy Beans or Half Runners for this recipe)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
splash of lemon juice, optional
Boil enough salted water to cover beans. While the water comes to a boil, cut off the ends of the green beans and rinse at least twice (ew pesticides). When the water comes to to a boil add beans and cook for 4 minutes. After four minutes, dunk green beans in an ice bath (a bowl with water and ice) to stop cooking. As the beans cool in the ice bath heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Saute garlic for 1 minute (do not let it burn) and then add the cold beans to the pan. Add salt and pepper and toss to combine. Continue to cook for 5 minutes. The beans should still hold the majority of their shape.
If you'd like, splash a bit of lemon juice over the beans (but I find this not to be necessary).