One of the easiest things to grow in the garden is green beans.  No matter where you are, these hardy little plants can take a decent amount of heat or cold.  There are so many varieties, but they all have the same core flavor.  It is so easy to get stuck with just simply cooking them with onions, butter, salt and pepper.  Where I do love that good old southern, hearty green bean flavor, fresh can taste just as amazing.  Many of dinners I make need to be accompanied by a much lighter side item.  The latest way to serve those string beans is this outstanding lemon herb green bean recipe.  No matter whether you are serving a hearty pot roast or a light orange chicken recipe, these beans are the perfect side!

Fresh Lemon Herb Green Bean Recipe:

Here is what you need:

• 1 lb or more fresh green beans, washed and snapped
• 2 lemons
• 4 or so garlic cloves, minced (check out my favorite kitchen tools and tricks here)
• Fresh herbs – Parsley, Rosemary, Oregano, and/or Basil
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Start out by dicing your herbs up finely on your cutting board, being sure to remove the stems.  While you have your board out, cut each lemon in half.  My many years in the food industry taught me an awesome trick with lemons and lime. Prior to cutting them, firmly roll them around on a counter top with the palm of your hand.  This loosens them up to get a more juice out of them. In a large mixing bowl, squeeze both lemons (seed side up). Then, mix in the herbs, garlic, and olive oil until well blended.

In a large skillet, toss together both the cleaned and snapped beans and sauce mixture.  On medium heat, saute until the beans are no longer firm and slightly limp.  Make sure to continue stirring as you saute.  Failing to do so will result in burnt beans.

This lemon herb green bean recipe goes along perfect with our southern chicken spaghetti recipe. What will you be serving your green beans with? Let us know in the comments below: