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Garlic Butter Green Beans with Cranberries – Side Dishes for Christmas Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh green beans (about 1 to 1.5 pounds), trimmed
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (3–4 cloves), finely minced
  • Dried cranberries (1/2 cup)
  • Lemon (zest and juice of 1/2 lemon)
  • Toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans (1/3 cup)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness

Method
 

  1. Prep the beans: Rinse and trim the ends. Keep them whole for a clean look, or cut in half if you prefer.
  2. Blanch: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  3. Shock: Immediately transfer beans to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
  4. Toast the nuts: In a large skillet over medium heat, toast almonds or pecans dry for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  5. Make garlic butter: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat. When melted and foamy, add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t brown the garlic.
  6. Sauté the beans: Add the blanched beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  7. Add flavor boosters: Stir in dried cranberries, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  8. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted nuts and chopped parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.