Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions:

  1. Wash and trim the green beans.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using, and sauté for an additional minute.
  6. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.