Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds

The other night, I wanted to create an easy vegetable side dish to help compliment my main dish; not overpower it. This dish was able to accomplish just that.  Nothing too fancy or complicated- just good, clean flavor. Although this recipe is done in the oven, you could also cook it in the skillet and saute the green beans until they cook through. However, you have to do a little more work on your part to keep an eye on them and stir regularly. 

1 lb. green beans, ends trimmed and cleaned 

1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil 

2 large shallots, roughly chopped 

Salt and Fresh ground black pepper to taste 

1/2 c. sliced, toasted almonds

• Preheat oven to 425 and grease an 8x8 pan with non stick cooking spray. 
• In a medium bowl, toss green beans with everything but almonds. 
• Pour mixture into greased baking pan and bake 15-20 minutes or until green beans are tender and shallots are softened. 
• Toss with sliced, toasted almonds prior to serving.