Steam-in-bag green beans are a gift on a tired night, already trimmed and ready. Here they get a quick toss with garlic, butter, and toasted almonds to turn a side into the whole dinner. Twenty minutes flat.

Serves 2. 20 minutes, 12 at the stove.

About 440 calories a serving, 11 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 37 g fat. From USDA figures for 100% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Toast 1/3 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and light golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.5 min
2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then set the skillet aside.
3. Microwave the bag of green beans according to the package direction, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Cut open the bag carefully and pour the beans into the warm garlic butter.5 min
4. Toss the beans with the butter and garlic, then fold in the toasted almonds. Squeeze juice from half a lemon over the beans and taste, adding salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Note Swap the almonds for toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds if you prefer. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for two days and are good cold with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or pasta with a simple tomato sauce.