Quick Sautéed Green Beans with Aromatic Spices & Crunch is a fast and flavorful side dish that brings Moroccan-inspired flair to your table in just 15 minutes.
Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and golden slivered almonds, creating the perfect balance of warmth, texture, and freshness.
Ideal as a weeknight veggie side, part of a vibrant mezze platter, or a low-carb complement to grilled meats and tagines, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying.
With minimal prep and bold flavor, it’s a go-to for Mediterranean and North African-inspired meals.
⦁ 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
⦁ 2 tbsp grapeseed or olive oil
⦁ 1 garlic clove, minced
⦁ ½ tsp ground cumin
⦁ ¼ tsp paprika
⦁ ¼ tsp ground cloves
⦁ 1 tbsp slivered almonds
1. Blanch the Green Beans
Cook green beans in boiling salted water for 1 minute (~100°C / 212°F). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat (~175–190°C / 350–375°F). Add garlic, cumin, paprika, cloves, and almonds. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toss and Serve
Toss the green beans in the spiced oil mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Green Beans – Use fresh, firm green beans with no brown spots; haricots verts also work for a more tender texture
✔ Oil – Grapeseed or olive oil both work well; grapeseed has a higher smoke point for sautéing
✔ Spices – Cumin and paprika bring earthy warmth; ground cloves add a subtle depth and Moroccan flair
✔ Garlic – Use fresh garlic for bold flavor; mince finely for even cooking
✔ Slivered Almonds – Toast lightly before adding or during sauté for a golden crunch
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Trim Evenly – Snip off stem ends so green beans cook evenly
✔ Quick Blanching – Boil for 1 minute in salted water (~100°C / 212°F) to retain bright color and tender-crisp texture
✔ Shock in Cold Water – Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and lock in color
✔ Prep Ahead Tip – You can blanch beans ahead and refrigerate, then sauté just before serving
🔥 Cooking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Sauté Temp – Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (~175–190°C / 350–375°F)
✔ Toast Aromatics – Add garlic, spices, and almonds to hot oil and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning
✔ Toss Gently – Add green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in spiced oil
✔ Cook Time – Sauté beans for 2–3 minutes more to warm through without over-softening
✔ Serve Temp – Can be served warm or at room temperature
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Salt to Taste – Adjust seasoning at the end for balance
✔ Add Brightness – Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest for contrast
✔ Optional Heat – Add a pinch of cayenne or Aleppo pepper for a subtle kick
✔ Flavor Pairings – Pairs beautifully with Moroccan lamb, tagines, or couscous
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
✔ Reheat Gently – Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat (~65–75°C / 150–170°F) for best texture
✔ Make-Ahead Tip – Prep everything ahead and sauté just before serving for freshness
✔ Freezing Not Recommended – Green beans may lose texture when thawed
🍽 Serving
✔ Serve With – Tagines, spiced lamb, herbed couscous, or part of a mezze platter
✔ Garnish Ideas – Lemon wedges, toasted sesame seeds, or a light drizzle of harissa oil
✔ Presentation Tip – Serve in a shallow ceramic bowl with almonds sprinkled on top
✔ Perfect For – Quick weeknight dinners, vegetarian spreads, and Moroccan-inspired low-carb sides