Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In the meantime, trim the green beans.To do so, align them on a cutting board and cut the tips off. Set aside.
Peel and cut the garliccloves in half lengthwise, then finely chop the cloves.
When the water boils, add 1 teaspoon of salt, trimmed green beans, and boil them for 5 minutes.Drain them and rinse them under cold water to cool them down.
2. SAUTÉ GREEN BEANS
Warm up the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or enameled cast iron. Add the garlic and fry it gently for about 1 minute.
Add blanched green beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until you reach your desired texture. Turn them around the pan often.
3. SERVE
Taste and adjust for salt, and serve them on a platter as a side dish. Optionally, top with fresh mint, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or honey mustard dressing.
For more ideas, check out the "variations" chapter above.