When you think of green beans almondine, picture vibrant green beans dancing in a buttery, nutty sauce. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This dish promises a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that can elevate any meal from mundane to memorable.
I remember the first time I made green beans almondine for a family gathering. My aunt, the self-proclaimed queen of side dishes, eyed me skeptically. But once she tasted those tender-crisp beans topped with toasted almonds, her expression changed to one of pure delight. Now, this dish is a staple at our holiday dinners, bringing smiles and compliments every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Green beans almondine is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- The combination of buttery flavor and crunchy texture is simply irresistible
- Its stunning visual appeal adds elegance to any plate
- Enjoy it as a side or toss in your favorite protein for a complete meal
I vividly recall my cousin’s jaw dropping when she took her first bite of these green beans almondine at our last family gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Green Beans: Choose bright green beans; they should snap easily when bent for optimal freshness.
Sliced Almonds: Opt for raw or blanched almonds; both add delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in your dish effectively.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with its zesty acidity.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse the dish with aromatic goodness; feel free to adjust as per your taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always adjust according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing 1 pound of fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the ends using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. This simple step ensures that your beans are clean and ready for cooking.
Blanch the Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, drop in the prepared green beans and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green yet remain crisp. This process locks in their vibrant color and nutrients.
Shock Them Cold
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water while you wait for the beans to finish cooking. Once they’re done blanching, immediately transfer them into the ice bath using a slotted spoon or tongs. This shock stops further cooking and keeps them crunchy.
Toast Those Almonds
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until foamy. Add 1/3 cup of sliced almonds and toast them for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir them often to prevent burning—nobody wants burnt nuts ruining this delightful dish!
Combine Everything
Add the drained green beans into the skillet with toasted almonds along with minced garlic (about 2 cloves). Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and heated through. The aroma will be irresistible!
Finish It Off
Remove from heat and squeeze half a lemon over the mixture; stir well to combine all flavors beautifully. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences before serving hot on your favorite plate.
Now that you know how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser, go ahead and impress your family or friends!
You Must Know
- Green beans almondine is a delightful dish that brings crunch and flavor to your table
- The fresh green beans pair beautifully with the nutty almonds, making it a favorite among family members
- This vibrant side dish can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blanching the green beans in boiling water for three minutes, then shock them in ice water. This preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture. Sauté the almonds in butter until golden before tossing everything together for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add garlic or shallots for an extra layer of flavor. You can also switch out almonds for walnuts or pecans if you’re feeling adventurous. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully, making it even more irresistible.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crunch and freshness without overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor; frozen ones tend to be mushy
- Toasting the almonds adds depth; don’t skip this step!
- Be careful not to overcook the beans; they should remain crisp and vibrant
Sharing green beans almondine at family gatherings always garners compliments and maybe a few jealous glances from non-cooks at the table. It’s a go-to recipe that never fails to impress!
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans for green beans almondine?
Fresh green beans are recommended, but frozen can work if thawed first.
What other nuts can I use instead of almonds?
Pecans or walnuts offer great alternatives with different flavors and textures.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare everything except sautéing the almonds; combine just before serving for freshness.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a delightful and elegant side dish that features vibrant green beans tossed in a buttery, nutty sauce with toasted almonds. Perfect for any occasion, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and bright flavor that will impress your family and friends. With minimal effort, you can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a staple for holiday dinners and weeknight meals alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Wash and trim the green beans.
- 2. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- 3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then toast the sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- 4. Add the drained green beans and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 5. Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
