Green Bean Almondine is a bright and crunchy dish made with fresh green beans and toasted almonds. It’s quick to make and full of yummy flavors!
This dish always makes me feel fancy at dinner, yet it’s so easy to whip up. Just toss the beans and almonds in a pan, and you’ve got a delightful side dish in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are essential for this recipe; they bring that crisp crunch. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch but won’t have the same fresh taste. If you’re looking for variety, try substituting with haricots verts, which are thinner and more delicate.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil. Each will add a unique flavor while keeping the dish creamy.
Almonds: Sliced almonds are perfect for toastiness. You could swap them for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different texture and taste. Toasted sunflower seeds are also a great nut-free option!
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can work as a substitute (use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove). Remember, it’s less potent, so adjust based on your taste.
How Can I Ensure My Green Beans Stay Bright and Crunchy?
The key to keeping your green beans vibrant and crisp is blanching. This quick boil and ice bath technique preserves their color and crunchiness.
- Boil salted water for better flavor; add green beans for 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare a bowl with ice water while they cook.
- Once done, plunge them into the ice water immediately to stop cooking.
This method keeps your beans bright green and perfectly tender-crisp when tossed with the almonds!
Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the ingredients and then around 10 minutes cooking. Quick, simple, and utterly delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add in the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Once done, drain the beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking further. This helps maintain that beautiful, vibrant color!
2. Toasting the Almonds:
While the beans are chilling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter in the skillet. Add the sliced almonds and cook them, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and toasted. Be sure to keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Next, add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet with the almonds. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but isn’t browned. We want that delicious garlic flavor without the bitterness!
4. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the beans in the buttery almond-garlic mixture. Allow the beans to cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to heat through.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and add the fresh lemon juice, giving everything a good stir. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds the perfect zing to your dish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the delicious Green Bean Almondine to a serving dish and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or fish and is sure to impress your guests!
This Green Bean Almondine is an elegant side dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The crisp-tender green beans paired with nutty almonds and a hint of lemon create a delightful experience for your taste buds!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. They may need a slightly longer cooking time to reach tender-crisp perfection.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or coconut oil work well as substitutes for butter. They both add a nice flavor and keep the dish deliciously rich!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even crispy bacon for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed.
