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To make this dish sing with flavor, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1/4 cup pine nuts - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These fresh green beans are the star. They offer a crisp texture and vibrant color. The lemon adds zest and brightness. Olive oil helps bring all the flavors together. Garlic gives a rich, warm taste. Pine nuts add a delightful crunch. You can mix in some optional ingredients to enhance flavor. Consider adding: - Red pepper flakes for heat - A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness - Toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch These additions can take your dish to the next level. Just remember, keep it simple to let the green beans shine. You’ll need a few tools to make this recipe easy: - A large pot for boiling the beans - A slotted spoon for transferring the beans - A large skillet for sautéing - A dry pan for toasting the pine nuts - A cutting board and knife for chopping Having the right tools makes cooking smoother. It helps you focus on creating that fresh flavor boost. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. Enjoy the process! To start, we need to blanch the green beans. Boil a large pot of salted water. When it bubbles, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should be bright green and tender-crisp. Next, use a slotted spoon to move them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking. Let the beans cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside. Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Next, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them well in the garlic oil. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until they heat through. Now it’s time for the burst of flavor! Sprinkle the lemon zest from 1 lemon over the green beans. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice next. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine all the flavors. You’ll notice how fresh and vibrant this dish starts to smell! In a separate dry pan, toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts over medium heat. Stir them often for about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. You want them golden brown and fragrant, not burnt. Once done, remove the pan from heat. Now, you can put your dish together! Serve the green beans topped with those delicious toasted pine nuts. For a final touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley for color. Enjoy this fresh flavor boost! You can find the full recipe above. To cook green beans just right, start with a pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. This short cook time keeps them fresh and crunchy. After cooking, quickly place them in an ice bath. This stops the cooking and locks in their color. Drain them well before using. To boost the taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Garlic adds depth and warmth. When cooking, make sure to sauté the garlic until fragrant but not burnt. Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavor. This extra step makes a big difference. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. This helps balance the flavors and makes them pop. A well-plated dish makes a meal more inviting. After cooking, arrange green beans neatly on a plate. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for a nice crunch. Add a touch of chopped parsley for color. This adds a fresh look and a hint of flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. This gives guests the option to add more lemon if they like. For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_2}} If you cannot find pine nuts, try using chopped walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch. Sunflower seeds also work well for a nut-free option. They provide a similar texture without using nuts. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the lemon. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can enhance the dish too. You can cook these green beans in different ways. Steaming keeps the beans crisp and bright. Simply place them in a steamer over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Roasting adds a nice char and extra flavor. Toss the beans with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Each method offers a unique taste experience. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your green beans with lemon and pine nuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor. Place the container in the fridge. They can stay good for up to 3 days. If you notice any limpness, try refreshing them in a quick ice bath before serving again. When it's time to reheat, use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add your green beans and stir gently until they are warm. This method keeps them tender-crisp. You can also microwave them, but cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze your green beans, do this right after cooking. Let them cool completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet for the best texture. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They cook faster than fresh beans. Just follow the same cooking steps. Frozen beans may not be as crunchy, but they still taste good. To make this recipe vegan, simply use olive oil and skip any animal products. The lemon and pine nuts add great flavor without dairy. You can enjoy all the freshness without changing the taste. You can serve these green beans with grilled chicken, fish, or quinoa. They pair well with salads or roasted vegetables too. This dish adds color and flavor to any meal. Cooked green beans last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure they cool down before sealing. You can find the full recipe for Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts in the section above. It includes all the ingredients and steps needed to make this delicious dish. This post covered how to make green beans with lemon and pine nuts. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about storage methods, variations, and common questions. With these insights, you can create a tasty dish that impresses. Green beans can be simple but delicious with the right touches. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts

Elevate your vegetable side dish game with these Zesty Lemon Pine Nut Green Beans! This easy recipe combines fresh green beans, zesty lemon juice, and crunchy pine nuts for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for any meal, it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore this delicious recipe and make dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1/4 cup pine nuts

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by blanching the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the green beans to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.

      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

        Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the garlic oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to heat through.

          Sprinkle the lemon zest over the green beans, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to combine all the flavors.

            In a separate, dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!

              Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Top with the toasted pine nuts and garnish with chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4