Spicy Lemon Green Beans

This may not be the fanciest of recipes, but it is one of my favorite ways to eat green beans. I can't take full credit for the recipe; a friend threw this together one day and I've been making it ever since. I opted out of adding garlic (just this once!), but you can definitely add some if you want. I only made enough as a single serving, but it would make a great side dish to any large dinner.

Ingredients:

1 pound of fresh green beans (any kind is fine, but fresh is best for this)

1-1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

zest and juice of 1 lemon (you can add less but I love the lemon flavor)

salt/pepper to taste

2 T fresh chopped garlic (optional)

Instructions:

1) Heat a large skillet on medium heat with 2 T olive oil

2) Add the beans, salt/pepper and red pepper, stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes or until done to your liking (I like mine to have some crunch)

3) Once almost done, add the garlic if using and reduce to medium-low and keep stirring to prevent garlic from burning for 1-2 minutes

4) Turn off the heat and add the zest/juice of the lemon