Garlic Lemon Green Beans

I love new ways to liven up veggies. This is quite flavorful, so make sure not to serve it with something that has delicate flavor. I found the recipe on Cooks Illustrated and prepared according to directions, but next time I think I will prepare slightly ahead of time and transfer the beans to a baking dish, reduce the sauce a bit more, then add it to the beans and top with breadcrumbs. Maybe stick it under the broiler for a second to improve presentation.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  slices  sandwich bread, tear into quarters (Use a good quality bread, soft whole wheat is OK)
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 6  medium garlic cloves, minced (or garlic pressed)
• 2  teaspoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon  minced fresh thyme leave
• 1 1⁄2 lbs green beans, ends trimmed
• 1  cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•  table salt, to taste
•  ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a food processor, pulse bread about ten 1 second pulses until fine, even crumbs.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to medium bowl and stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and Parmesan; set aside.
4. Wipe out skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir in flour, red pepper flakes, and thyme, and then toss in green beans.
6. Add chicken broth and increase heat to medium-high; cover and cook until beans are partly tender but still crisp at center, about 4 minutes.
7. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
9. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs, and serve.