Garlic Green Beans with Olive Oil & Lemon

Bright green beans blanched until just tender, then tossed in warm olive oil with gently cooked garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Simple, fresh and ready in 15 minutes.

Bright green beans tossed with olive oil, sliced garlic and lemon.

Some side dishes do not need much. A good green bean, a little garlic, good olive oil and a squeeze of lemon is one of those combinations that never needs improving. This is the kind of recipe that sits quietly beside bigger dishes and makes everything on the table feel more considered. It comes together in 15 minutes, uses ingredients you almost certainly already have, and goes with roast lamb, grilled chicken, pasta or anything else that needs something fresh and green alongside it. Simple food made well. That is always enough.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Serves: 4 · Category: Dinner

Ingredients

Garlic Green Beans with Olive Oil & Lemon

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
  2. Add the green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and just tender.
  3. Drain and set aside.
  4. Warm the olive oil in a wide pan over low to medium heat.
  5. Add the garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  6. Add the green beans and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
  7. Cook for a further 2 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  8. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  9. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the garlic. Low and slow in the olive oil gives you something fragrant and sweet rather than bitter and sharp.

These beans are best served immediately while they are still bright green and glossy. If making ahead, blanch the beans and hold them separately, then toss with the garlic oil just before serving.

A small handful of toasted almond flakes scattered over at the end is a lovely variation if you want something a little more substantial.

Serving Suggestion

Portuguese Style Smoked Pulled Lamb with Garlic, Lemon & Rosemary

Roasted Pumpkin with Feta, Honey & Herbs

The Grace Table Roast Chicken Method (Golden, Juicy & Extra Crispy Skin)

Greek Yoghurt Flatbreads

Crispy Roast Potatoes (Potato Bugs)

The Grace Table Tip

Keep a few garlic slices visible on top of the beans when you plate them. It tells the flavour story at a glance and makes the dish look considered without any extra effort.