Sometimes, the simple things are the best.
(The name says it all!)
Try this simple, quick and easy vegetable side dish.
Take green beans (a bit less than 2 lbs), snip off the ends and boil.
When cooked, remove from water and let cool a bit.
Pour a bit of extra virgin olive oil on beans, along with some freshly minced garlic (3-4 cloves) and a pinch of salt.
Toss until evenly mixed.
Serve.
What could be easier. And what could be more delicious?
Try these variations:
- Fry or roast the garlic before putting it on the green beans
- Add a shpritz of freshly squeezed lemon juice on the beans
- Add thinly sliced lemon wedges as a garnish
- Add toasted sliced almonds to the dish
- Add some chili pepper flakes
Or how about this? Fry garlic and a bit of cayenne pepper (or chili pepper flakes) in a large skillet before adding the green beans, a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir-fry for about two minutes, then add about a 1/4 cup of water. Cover pan and cook about 6 minutes. Remove lid and cook until water evaporates. Toss in nuts (almonds or cashews), season with salt and lemon pepper and serve.
You don’t have to be exact with these variations. If you like more garlic, pour it on! If you like the beans a bit crisper or al dente, do it. If you like it hot, serve immediately. If you like it cold, rinse cooked beans in cold water before adding oil and garlic.
If you are nervous about cayenne but want a bit of heat, try a tiny bit of sriracha (hot Thai chili sauce) or if you want something flavourful but a bit less spicy, I suggest Lee Kum Kee chili garlic sauce. (Note: While some Lee Kum Kee products are kosher, their Chili Garlic Sauce ISN’T!)
(Why, oh why can’t you be kosher??)
This dish can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Experiment. Have fun!
