Pan-Fried Green Beans with Garlic & Toasted Almonds

This simple side dish is a great way to make the most of fresh green beans from your veg box. The beans are pan-fried until tender with just the right amount of bite, then tossed with golden garlic and toasted almonds for a satisfying crunch. Perfect alongside roast veg, grilled fish, or a grain bowl.

Serves: 2–4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 200–300g green beans, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons flaked almonds

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chilli flakes

Method

1. Toast the almonds:Place the flaked almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Tip them out onto a plate and set aside.

2. Pan-fry the green beans:Heat the olive oil or butter in the same pan. Add the green beans and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re slightly blistered and just tender.

3. Add the garlic:Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

4. Season and finish:Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir through the toasted almonds just before serving. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chilli flakes for extra brightness or heat.