Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts

A perfect vegetable to add to any meal. It takes all of about five minutes to make these light and flavorful beans. I like to use the thin French haricot verts beans, but use the beans you prefer.

Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts
(Makes 8 servings.)

• 1 1/2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Green Beans with Lemon and Pine Nuts

Pour a little olive oil in a sauté pan. Over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts.

Cook beans in a 4-quart saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander.

Transfer to a bowl and toss with parsley, lemon zest, oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Plate the beans and top with the toasted pine nuts.