Recipe: Green beans with almonds

Recipe Green beans with almonds

Green beans are now locally grown and they are at the peak of their season at the moment. Make the most of them. Adding a bit of olive oil and lemon zest helps to bring out their natural sweetness.

You will need:

500g french beans
2 teaspoons good olive oil
50g bacon, shredded and cooked
1 clove garlic, grated
1 sage leaf, finely shredded
2 spoons flaked almonds, dry roasted in a hot pan
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Grated rind of a lemon
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Method

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add beans and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain immediately.

Heat the  oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the beans, garlic, sage, sea salt and some freshly ground pepper.  Add the shredded bacon.  Cook for two minutes.  Stir in half almonds, lemon zest and lemon juice.  Season again if necessary.  Garnish with the remaining almonds.

Serve hot or cold, alone with a salad or simply with the main meal.