This is a simple, bright and delicious preparation for green beans. 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds haricots verts or slender green beans, trimmed
• 1 pound medium shallots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Lemon
• Roasted sliced almonds for serving (optional)

Instuctions:

1. Cook haricots verts in boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes (or 6 minutes if using regular green beans). Drain. Transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain well.
2. Cut off and discard ends from shallots and remove outer layer. Cut shallots in half lengthwise then slice thinly. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low; sauté until shallots are browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with thyme.
3. Add green beans to shallots in skillet and stir over medium-high heat until heated through, about 6 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Transfer to bowl, sprinkle with sliced almonds and serve.