Haricot Vert with Toasted Almonds

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 pound/450 g haricot vert (thin green beans)
1/2 cup/50 g sliced raw almonds
3 tablespoons/40 g butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.  Place almonds on heavy baking sheet and bake until golden brown, watching carefully so that they do not burn, about 8 minutes. Set the nuts aside.

Trim the green beans evenly so they are the same size.  Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.  Cook the green beans in the boiling water for 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender.

Drain beans and transfer them to a bowl.  Toss the beans with the butter to coat.  Season the beans to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with toasted almonds, and serve.