Perfectly Blistered Green Beans with a Hint of Baking Soda Magic

Ingredients

- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
Rinse 1 pound of fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the ends of each bean and set the prepared beans aside.

2. Blanch the Beans:
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the boiling water, which will help enhance the vibrant green color of the beans. Carefully add the prepared green beans to the pot and blanch for 2 minutes.

3. Shock and Drain:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans into a large bowl filled with ice water. This process, known as shocking, halts the cooking process and preserves the beans' crispness and color. Let the beans sit in the ice water for 3 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

4. Blister the Beans:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the drained green beans to the hot oil, spreading them out in an even layer. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until they begin to blister, then stir and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until evenly blistered and tender-crisp.

5. Add Flavor:
Reduce the heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté with the beans for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
Transfer the blistered beans to a serving platter. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty finish. Serve the beans warm as a delightful side dish at dinner.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time:
PT10M
10 minutes

- Cooking Time:
PT15M
15 minutes

Total Time

- PT25M
25 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- 240 calories

Keywords

- Green beans
- Blistered beans
- Baking soda
- Stove-cooked beans
- Easy dinner side
- Vegetable sides
- Garlic green beans
- Quick dinner recipes
- Healthy side dishes
- Vibrant greens

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