Green Beans with Almonds

1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup blanched whole almonds, finely ground or sliced

Cook beans in 3-qt. saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes, and drain. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat, then cook garlic, stirring, until it just begins to turn golden, about 1 minute. Add almonds and cook, stirring, until they begin to color slightly, about 2 minutes. Add beans and cook, stirring, until tender and heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.