Description
This quick and flavorful 15-minute recipe highlights blistered haricots verts tossed with garlic and a hint of lemon for a bright finish. Perfect as a simple side dish, these French-style green beans are cooked in a hot skillet until tender and beautifully charred, delivering a delightful combination of smoky and fresh flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or light, neutral oil)
- 1 lb haricots verts (trimmed French string beans)
- 3 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for several minutes until it becomes very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, warming it thoroughly to prepare for cooking the beans.
- Cook the haricots verts: Add the trimmed haricots verts to the hot skillet. Season them with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beans, stirring occasionally, until they develop blistered, charred spots on all sides and become tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add garlic and finish: When the beans are mostly blistered, add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and slightly toasted. Squeeze one wedge of lemon over the beans and stir well to combine flavors.
- Serve: Taste the beans and adjust seasoning if needed. If desired, cook a bit longer to achieve more blistering. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus boost.
Notes
- Use haricots verts for their tender texture and subtle flavor; regular green beans can be substituted but may require slightly longer cooking.
- Adjust lemon quantity to taste; lemon juice brightens and balances the richness of the olive oil and garlic.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when adding it at the end; it should be cooked just enough to release aroma.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a light vegetarian side.
- Use a neutral oil if preferred to keep olive oil flavor subtle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French