Green Beans with Lemon, Garlic and Olive Oil

From Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, California

Lemon garlic and olive oil perfectly accent the distinctive green bean flavor of this delicious side dish. Green beans are best when they are just ripe. To test for freshness, break the green bean in two. It should snap like a twig.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green strong beans
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper

Directions:
Prepare the green beans by trimming the tips off both ends. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and add the beans.
Zest and juice the lemon. Finely chop the parsley and mince the garlic. In a medium bowl, mix together the oil, lemon juice and zest, parsley and garlic and combine well.
When the beans are al dente after about 3-5 minutes, drain them then place under cold running water to halt the cooking.
Toss the beans in the dressing, making sure each bean is well coated.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings.

Filed in: Side, Vegetables