Imagine a side dish so incredibly delicious that it transforms ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Vito's Green Beans are not just another vegetable recipe – they're a flavor-packed journey that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of garlic, olive oil, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, these green beans are about to become the star of your dining table, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary magic in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes to shock the beans after blanching.
- Carefully drop the trimmed green beans into the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the blanched green beans to the prepared ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Once cooled, drain the green beans thoroughly and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release their aromatic flavors.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the garlic and oil mixture.
- Sauté the green beans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and slight caramelization.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to toss the beans.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring an even distribution of garlic and seasoning.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Always blanch your green beans first to lock in that vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process!
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. The oil is a key player in this recipe, so don't skimp on quality.
- Control your heat when sautéing garlic – it should be fragrant, not burnt. Medium heat is your friend here.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when sautéing. This ensures each green bean gets perfectly coated and slightly caramelized.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the beans at their absolute best – crisp, hot, and bursting with flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
