Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and trim the ends of the green beans.
  2. If desired, blanch the green beans by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  5. Toss in the green beans (blanched or raw) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.