Hello, my lovely readers!

Today, I want to share with you an easy dinner recipe that is a favorite in our household. It’s perfect for these warm July nights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beautiful weather with your family. And guess what? It involves one of my summer favorites – fresh green beans!

Before we get to the recipe, I wanted to share a little story. Just yesterday, my youngest son, Nick, was helping me in the kitchen. He’s usually more interested in his Lego creations than culinary ones, but seeing him take an interest in cooking was such a treat. As he eagerly snapped the ends off the green beans, he began to talk about our family sail last weekend. His face lit up brighter than the sun outside as he recounted how he managed to steer our sailing boat for a few moments. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Not just for Nick’s budding sailing skills, but also for his newfound interest in cooking. We laughed and reminisced as we prepared our dinner together. It’s moments like these that make me cherish my role as a mom.

Now, let’s get to this delicious recipe! It’s a simple dish – Garlic Lemon Chicken with Sauteed Green Beans and Coconut Rice. The coconut rice is a fun twist that gives a tropical touch to this summer meal.

Tips before we start: Always wash your hands and your green beans thoroughly before cooking. And remember, the best meals are made with love and a dash of fun.

Garlic Lemon Chicken with Sauteed Green Beans and Coconut Rice:

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound fresh green beans
– 1 cup Jasmine rice
– 1 can coconut milk
– zest of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
3. While the chicken is cooking, steam your green beans until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
4. In a separate pot, combine the Jasmine rice, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffed up.
5. Once everything is cooked, plate your dish! Lay down a bed of coconut rice, top it with your sautéed green beans and finish off with the garlic lemon chicken.
6. Grate some fresh lemon zest on top for that extra zing!

Voila! You have a delightful summer dinner ready to savor with your family. Enjoy these precious moments around the dinner table. After all, they’re the secret ingredient that makes every meal special.

Until next time, happy cooking!

With love,
Lisa