A delightful side dish featuring tender green beans, zesty lemon, and crunchy almonds.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Blanching helps retain the vibrant green color of the beans.
Transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat dry.
This step ensures the beans stay crisp and fresh.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Use medium heat to prevent the butter from burning.
Add the sliced almonds to the skillet and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently.
Keep an eye on the almonds as they can burn quickly.
Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the butter and almonds.
Ensure the beans are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Stir in the lemon zest and parsley, cooking for an additional minute.
Adding the lemon zest at the end preserves its fresh flavor.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for the perfect balance.