Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Introduction
Green Beans Almondine is a classic, elegant side dish that pairs crisp green beans with the rich, toasty flavor of almonds. It’s simple to prepare and adds a fresh, flavorful touch to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them until tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the drained green beans and sliced almonds to the skillet. Toss everything together until the green beans are well coated and the almonds are lightly toasted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice to taste. Toss gently and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Swap olive oil for butter for a richer taste.
- Use toasted pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different nutty profile.
- Add freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the almonds crisp. Avoid overheating to prevent the green beans from becoming mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw and drain them well before blanching to ensure they don’t release excess water and become soggy.
How do I prevent the almonds from burning?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when sautéing the garlic and almonds, stirring frequently. Almonds toast quickly, so watch closely to avoid burning.
PrintGreen Beans Almondine Recipe
Green Beans Almondine is an elegant and simple side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans sautéed with fragrant garlic and toasted sliced almonds, finished with a bright drizzle of lemon juice for a fresh, nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Seasoning
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them until tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately drain and transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain once cooled.
- Sauté Garlic and Almonds: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced almonds, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and the almonds are golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Toss Green Beans with Almond Mixture: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss well to coat them evenly with the olive oil, garlic, and toasted almonds. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to warm through.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle lemon juice over the green beans almondine to taste. Toss lightly and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans ensures they are cooked to the perfect tender-crisp texture and maintain a bright green color.
- If you prefer a milder almond flavor, you can toast the almonds separately before adding.
- For a nuttier taste, use brown butter instead of olive oil when sautéing.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for pungency.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled proteins such as chicken, fish, or steak.
Keywords: green beans almondine, green beans with almonds, sautéed green beans, almond green beans, easy green bean side dish, lemon green beans
