Green Bean Gremolata

This weeks recipe, once again, comes from The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. This healthy, side dish is packed with flavor and can be made ahead of time. When you're ready to serve dinner, just reheat these green beans and toss with the garlic, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese & toasted pine nuts mixture! :-) Enjoy!

Green Bean Gremolata

by Ina Garten - Barefoot Contessa, Foolproof 

Ingredients:

1 pound French green beans, trimmed

2 teaspoons minced garlic, (2 cloves)

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, (2 lemons)

3 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leafed parsely

3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil

kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

2. Drain the beans in a colander and immediately put them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their bright green color.

3. For the gremolata, toss the garlic, lemon zest, parsley, Parmesan, and pine nuts together in a small bowl and set aside.

4. When ready to serve, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Drain the beans and pat them dry.

5. Add the beans to the pan and saute, turning frequently, for 2 minutes, until coated with olive oil and heated through.

6. Off the heat, add the gremolata and toss well. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon pepper and serve hot.