Zesty Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to the zesty and vibrant world of roasted green beans! This dish is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and crunchy textures, making it a delightful side for any meal. Its zesty lemon kick and nutty almond crunch are sure to brighten up your dinner table.

Ingredients for Zesty Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds

Fresh green beans: The star of the dish, offering a crisp base that roasts to perfection. Make sure they're fresh for the best flavor.

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth coating that helps the beans roast evenly and enhances their natural flavor.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the green beans' earthy flavor.

Lemon: Both the zest and juice add a lively, tangy brightness that elevates the dish.

Sliced almonds: Add a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness that complements the beans and citrus.

Garlic: Offers a savory depth, infusing the beans with a delicious aroma.

Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle heat that balances the lemon's acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • Trim the green beans uniformly for even roasting.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — bottled juice doesn't have the same zing.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the red pepper flakes slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to richer proteins. For a vegetarian main, serve alongside quinoa or a hearty grain salad for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to prevent sogginess.
How can I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Zesty Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures the beans get that nice roast without becoming soggy.

Grab a large bowl and toss your trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each bean is well-coated — this helps them roast evenly.

Spread the coated beans out in a single layer on a baking sheet. You want them to have enough space to roast instead of steam.

Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and let the beans roast for 15 minutes. This initial roast will start to soften them up while adding a bit of color.

After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet and sprinkle on the sliced almonds and minced garlic. Return everything to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will toast the almonds and bring out the garlic's flavor without burning it.

Once the almonds are golden and fragrant, take the sheet out of the oven. Immediately toss everything with lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. The residual heat will help meld these flavors beautifully.

Serve your zesty roasted green beans warm, and enjoy the delightful textures and flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Features a refreshing citrus twist with a satisfying crunch.
  • It's a versatile side that pairs well with various main dishes.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the sliced almonds and minced garlic.
6. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes until the almonds are golden and fragrant.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your zesty delight.

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