Name: Roasted-Garlic Green Beans
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 garlic cloves , peeled and halved lengthwise; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 1/2 pounds green beans , trimmed; 3 tablespoons water; 4 teaspoons wine vinegar (see note); Salt and pepper

Why This Recipe Works

Roasting garlic tames its bite and intensifies its sweet flavor; unfortunately, it also takes about an hour. For a simple green beans recipe, we wanted to find a faster way to achieve the nutty flavor and buttery texture of roasted garlic. We did this by microwaving sliced cloves with oil and sugar. The garlic achieved a creamy texture quickly, and the added sugar helped promote its caramelization, which lent our Roasted-Garlic Green Beans recipe sweetness without oven-roasting the garlic. Allowing the softened garlic and steamed green beans to brown together in a skillet gave us perfectly cooked beans studded with soft, nutty “roasted" garlic flavor—in about 10 minutes.

Before You Begin

Microwave temperatures vary-be sure to check the garlic after 45 seconds to see if it has softened. Both red and white wine vinegar work well here.

Instructions

Microwave garlic, oil, and sugar, uncovered, in small microwave-safe bowl until garlic is softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Carefully transfer 1 tablespoon oil from garlic mixture to large nonstick skillet. Reserve remaining garlic mixture.

Heat skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering. Add green beans and water and cook, covered, until bright green, about 3 minutes. Add reserved garlic mixture to pan; do not stir. Continue to cook, covered, until beans are almost tender, about 3 minutes. Remove lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are browned in spots and garlic is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Serve.