Italian Green Beans Recipe

If you think green beans are boring, this Italian green beans recipe should change your mind. This simple but flavorful side dish relies on a generous amount of salted boiling water (yes!), grated garlic, red wine vinegar, and sharp Pecorino to turn this into the little green veggie that could.

5 from 1 vote

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Servings

Calories 61 kcal

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Ingredients

▢ 12 ounces fresh green beans ends cut
▢ 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling the green beans) (Note 1)
▢ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic grated (about 2 large garlic cloves)
▢ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ Ground black pepper
▢ ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
▢ ½ tablespoon Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or more

Instructions

Place the green beans in a 2-quart pot, add the 2 tablespoons of salt, and fill the pot with enough water to just cover the green beans.
Place the pot over high heat; when it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer the beans for 5-6 minutes, uncovered. Drain them and run them under cold water for a few seconds.
Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the grated garlic and cook, stirring nonstop, for 30 seconds. Stir in the boiled green beans along with the ¼ teaspoon salt and some black pepper. Sautée, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Transfer the cooked green beans to a bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. Toss the cold green beans with the vinegar and cheese right before serving. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Cheers!

Notes

Note 1: Two tablespoons of salt may seem like a lot for the amount of green beans, but it really helps flavor them. You'll also be rinsing most of it away.

General Notes:

Stir the green beans often so the garlic doesn't burn. Grated garlic is more delicate than minced/slice garlic.
Definitely taste before serving, so you can tweak if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or cheese.

Nutrition

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