Lemon Almond Green Beans

Steps

1. Put the almonds in a large dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, shaking the pan often, until golden and fragrant.
   ⏱ Toast almonds: 4 min
2. Tip the almonds onto a plate right away so they don't keep

   browning (how to brown)

   Brown Cook food in a hot pan until its surface turns brown, which adds rich, roasted flavor. 1. Pat the food dry; for ground meat, let the pan get hot first.2. Add a little oil and spread the food in one layer.3. Leave it alone for a few minutes so the bottom browns, then turn or break it up.4. Work in batches if it won't fit in one layer.5. Pour off extra fat if the recipe says to. Done when: Most surfaces are brown, not gray, and the bottom of the pan has browned bits (they are flavor, not burn). Safety: Hot oil spatters: dry the food first, lay it in the pan moving away from you, and keep a lid nearby. Never put water on an oil fire; slide the lid over it and turn off the heat. Browned outside doesn't mean cooked inside: ground beef needs 160°F, poultry 165°F.How to brown meat and vegetables: mistakes to avoid

   in the hot pan.
3. Add the green beans, water and salt to the same skillet and turn the heat to medium-high.
4. Cover the skillet and let the beans

   steam (how to steam)

   Steam Cook food above simmering water in a covered pot, so it cooks gently and keeps its color. 1. Put an inch of water in a pot and set a steamer basket over it; the water shouldn't touch the food.2. Bring the water to a boil.3. Add the food in an even layer and cover.4. Keep the water simmering; add more if it runs low. Done when: The food is tender when pierced and still bright. Safety: Steam burns fast: lift lids and foil away from your face, tipping the far edge up first.How to steam vegetables: mistakes to avoid

   until bright green and crisp-tender.
   ⏱ Steam: 5 min
5. Uncover and keep cooking, stirring, until any water left in the pan has evaporated.
   ⏱ Cook off water: 1 min 30 sec
6. Add the butter and toss until it melts and the beans look glossy.
7. Take the pan off the heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper and toasted almonds, toss once more and serve.

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Tips

• Almonds go from golden to burnt quickly. Stay at the stove while they toast.
• Zest the lemon before you juice it. It is much harder the other way around.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days. The almonds soften a little; add a few fresh ones when reheating.

How long leftovers keep, and freezing and reheating: leftovers and storage. In season: lemons (December to April), green beans (June to September).