Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 pounds/900 g green beans, ends trimmed
1 cup/100 g almonds (thinly sliced)
1 stick/113 g butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over a high heat. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain the green beans then place them in a large bowl of ice water to cool them quickly.

Drain the ice water and pat the green beans dry with paper towels. Preheat the broiler. Place the sliced almonds on a small baking sheet and place under the broiler until they are golden brown and toasted, watching closely and tossing the almonds every 30 seconds to ensure they are evenly toasted.

Melt the butter in a heavy-based, large sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the beans to the sauté pan and sauté for 2 minutes or until they are heated through and coated with the butter. Add the toasted almonds and toss to combine well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and serve.