Trim the stalk ends from the beans and peel and chop the garlic.

Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and add the salt. Add the beans and cook for about 4 minutes, until they are just tender.

Fill a large bowl with water and 5 large ice cubes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately, drain in a colander.

Tip the beans into the iced water to cool.

Heat the butter and oil in the frying pan over a medium heat.

Add the almonds and cook while stirring for 3 minutes until they are golden.

Add the chopped garlic and stir for 1 minute

Drain the green beans thoroughly and add to the frying pan to heat through for another 3 minutes.

Add the pepper and check the seasoning before serving.