Green Beans with Lemon & Pistachios Recipe

Fresh alternative to your holiday green beans. Pistachios and lemon give an updated twist to a green bean casserole.

Ingredients
1/2 cup toasted shelled pistachios
2 pound fresh green beans - trimmed
3 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 clove hardneck garlic - minced
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Sea Salt and black pepper to taste
1-1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions:
1. Immerse beans in a large pot of boiling water and cook until crisp-tender - about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the burner, remove pan and drain beans immediately.

2. Add the olive oil to the hot pan, briefly swirl the oil in the pan, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Return the beans to the pan and toss to coat; then add lemon juice and toss again. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in toasted nuts and transfer the beans to a serving platter. Sprinkle with zest and serve.

4. If you prefer to serve the beans at room temperature, leave them in the pan, then just before serving add the nuts, toss the greens and nuts briefly, then make and add the zest and serve.

serves 8-10