Name: Garlicky Skillet Green Beans
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound green beans , trimmed (see photo, “Step-by-Step: How to Trim Green Beans,” below); ¼ teaspoon table salt; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup water; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves , peeled and minced

Why This Recipe Works

These easy-to-make garlicky green beans are a delightful companion to a main dish such as chicken or salmon. We cook them just until they’re crisp-tender, and then finish them with butter and garlic until they’re a tiny bit browned. Since each step of this recipe includes a specific cooking time, it’s a great opportunity for kids to practice using a kitchen timer or reading a clock. When cooking through the recipe, have kids set a timer for each step (or use a clock to calculate what time needs to be displayed when it’s time to move on to the next step).

Instructions

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking).

Add green beans, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally with rubber spatula, until spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes.

Carefully add water to skillet. Cover with lid and cook until green beans are bright green, about 2 minutes. Use oven mitt to remove lid (be careful—steam will be hot!).

Increase heat to medium-high and cook until water evaporates, about 1 minute.

Stir in butter and garlic and cook, stirring often, until green beans are lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off heat. Use spatula to transfer green beans to serving platter. Serve.