Garlic Butter Sausages with Lemon Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) sausage (Bratwurst or Italian style)
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) fresh stringless green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices, for garnish
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or beef stock
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional (we used Sriracha)
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Preparation:

1. Arrange the green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup (125ml) of water. Cook covered in the microwave for 8–10 minutes, until they are almost done but still crisp.
2. Meanwhile, place the sausages in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water. Cook partially covered over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning them regularly. Once the water has evaporated, add 2 tablespoons of butter, half of the minced garlic, and red chili pepper flakes. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes until the sausages are browned in the garlic butter sauce. Transfer the sausages to a plate and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped parsley, thyme, the remaining minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red crushed chili pepper flakes, and the pre-cooked green beans. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness.
4. Deglaze the skillet with lemon juice, vegetable or beef stock, and hot sauce. Allow the sauce to reduce for a couple of minutes.
5. Return the garlic butter sausages to the skillet and reheat them quickly.
6. Adjust the seasoning with freshly cracked pepper. Serve immediately, garnishing with more crushed chili pepper, fresh herbs, and a lemon slice if desired. Enjoy!

Note: You can enhance the flavors of the dish by adding a bit of white wine to the sauce for the green beans.