This easy and elegant side dish transforms simple string beans into a savory sensation with the delightful crunch of toasted almonds and fragrant garlic. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but sophisticated enough for a holiday spread. The light, healthy preparation keeps the beans crisp-tender and full of vibrant flavor!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings, 1 serving size

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh string beans, ends trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup slivered almonds

• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions

1. Toast the Almonds: Place the slivered almonds in a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the toasted almonds from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Beans: Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Steam the Beans: Add the string beans to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute to coat them in the oil. Pour in the broth, cover the pan tightly, and steam until the beans are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Finish and Serve: Season the beans with salt and pepper. Stir to coat them evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the reserved toasted almonds just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approx. 1 cup):

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact measurements.

• Calories: ~180-220 kcal

• Fat: ~12-16g

• Protein: ~5-8g

• Carbohydrates: ~10-14g

• Sodium: ~300-450mg

This recipe is simple, healthy, and a perfect complement to almost any main dish.