Imagine biting into green beans almondine, where the crisp freshness of green beans meets the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. The enticing aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a burst of flavor with every forkful. This dish is not just a side; it’s an experience that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent.
I remember the first time I served green beans almondine at a family gathering. My cousin, a self-proclaimed vegetable hater, took one bite and exclaimed, “Wait, these are green beans?!” It was a moment of triumph. Perfect for holiday feasts or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will have everyone raving.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make green beans almondine showcases an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to impress your guests
- The vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that brightens up any table
- You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the flavors to suit your taste
- It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a casual family meal
My friends couldn’t get enough of these green beans almondine during last year’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Green Beans: Choose bright green beans with firm pods for the best texture and flavor.
Sliced Almonds: Opt for raw or blanched almonds for a delightful crunch; toast them for extra flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it adds richness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a robust flavor; minced garlic works wonders in this recipe.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; they enhance all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Green Beans: Start by rinsing 1 pound of fresh green beans under cold water. Trim off the ends where they’re tough and stringy, ensuring they’re tender and ready for cooking.
Toast Those Almonds!: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add ½ cup of sliced almonds. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and release their nutty aroma—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add in your prepared green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.
Sauté with Garlic: Drain the green beans and return them to the pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring until fragrant and golden—about 1-2 minutes.
Add Lemon Juice & Seasoning: Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste while tossing everything together gently until well combined.
Finish with Toasted Almonds: Finally, sprinkle those toasted almonds over your sautéed green beans almondine. Toss one last time to ensure every bean gets its crunchy topping before serving hot!
Enjoy this delightful dish as part of any meal—trust me; you’ll want seconds!
You Must Know
- Green beans almondine is a delightful dish that combines crispy green beans with nutty flavors
- The vibrant colors and textures enhance any meal, making it a perfect side dish
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you can impress without stress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blanching the green beans in boiling water for two to three minutes before shocking them in ice water. This keeps them bright and crisp, then sauté with almonds and butter for the best flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or pecans if you want a different nutty flavor. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest can elevate the dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet to maintain their texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked green beans almondine, make sure not to overcook them during blanching
- The crunchiness is key to this dish!
- Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor, and don’t forget the seasoning; a pinch of salt goes a long way
Sharing my first experience cooking green beans almondine reminds me of my grandmother’s laughter as she said, “Even fancy names can’t hide burnt veggies!” Her tips still guide me today.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh green beans yield better texture and flavor in this dish.
What can I serve with green beans almondine?
This dish pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal.
How do I make it vegan-friendly?
Swap butter for olive oil and skip the almonds if you prefer nut-free options.
Green Beans Almondine
Experience the delightful fusion of crisp green beans and nutty toasted almonds in this classic Green Beans Almondine dish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a gourmet side that will impress your guests and elevate your meal. With bright flavors from fresh garlic and lemon, it’s a quick yet elegant addition to holiday feasts or weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim off the tough ends.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Boil salted water in a pot. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
- Drain the green beans and return them to the pot over medium heat. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
- Top with toasted almonds before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
