Green Beans Almondine

The moment I first tasted Green Beans Almondine, I knew I had stumbled upon a classic dish that would forever have a place on my dining table. It was during a family gathering, where my aunt had prepared this vibrant side dish that perfectly complemented the roast chicken. The crunch of the toasted almonds paired with the tender green beans created a symphony of textures and flavors that danced on my palate. I remember asking her for the recipe amidst laughter and stories, eager to replicate that moment in my own kitchen.

What to Gather for Green Beans Almondine

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Green Beans Almondine. This dish calls for fresh and flavorful components that complement each other beautifully. The crispness of the green beans, the nuttiness of the almonds, and the aromatic shallots create a wonderful medley that is sure to be a hit at any table.

• 12 ounces green beans, preferably haricot verts, trimmed: These delicate green beans are tender yet crisp, making them perfect for blanching and retaining their bright green color.
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds: Toasted to golden perfection, these almonds add crunch and a wonderful nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: A splash of this rich oil enriches the dish and helps sauté the shallots to a sweet, soft texture.
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced: This mellow onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, balancing the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning: Enhances the flavors of the vegetables and brings the dish together.
• 1 garlic clove, grated: Adds a fragrant aroma and a zing of flavor that complements the green beans beautifully.
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice: A splash of acidity balances the richness of the almonds and olive oil.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and adding a bit of spice to the dish.

Green Beans Almondine Instructions

Making Green Beans Almondine is a delightful process that comes together quickly. Follow these steps to create a delicious and elegant side dish that everyone will love.

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. As the water heats, prepare a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath will help stop the cooking process once the green beans are blanched. It’s crucial for maintaining their bright green color and crisp texture.
2. Once the water is at a rolling boil, drop the green beans into the pot. Blanch them for about 2 minutes. You’ll want them tender but still vibrant and crunchy. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
3. Immediately after 2 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans to the ice water. This shock will halt the cooking process, ensuring they don’t become mushy. Let them sit for a minute or two, then drain and lay them out on a towel to dry.
4. In a cast-iron skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the dry skillet. Toast them for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully, as they can burn easily! Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Next, add the olive oil to the skillet. If the skillet is too hot, turn down the heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shallot and sprinkle in the sea salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the shallots become soft and translucent. The aroma will be heavenly!
6. Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans back into the skillet. Sauté them for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often. You want them to be warmed through and tender but still have a slight bite.
7. Once the green beans are at the desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grated garlic and the fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine and season to taste with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Transfer the completed Green Beans Almondine to a serving dish. Top with the toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures!

Helpful Notes about Green Beans Almondine

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience with Green Beans Almondine. These notes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly each time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the green beans.
• Freezing: While fresh green beans are best, you can freeze the cooked beans for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as part of a vegetarian spread.
• Variations: Feel free to add other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves four but can easily be adjusted for larger gatherings.

How to Enjoy Green Beans Almondine

Serving Green Beans Almondine can be as creative as you want. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this delightful dish:

• As a Side Dish: Pair your green beans with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a well-rounded meal.
• At Family Gatherings: This dish shines on holiday tables or during family gatherings, adding a touch of elegance.
• With Quinoa: Serve alongside a bed of quinoa for a delicious vegetarian option that’s hearty and satisfying.
• In Springtime: Perfect for spring, when green beans are in season. Their vibrant color will brighten any plate.
• For Meal Prep: This dish holds up well for meal prep. Portion it out for easy lunches during the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

Green Beans Almondine is a dish that embodies elegance and comfort in every bite. The combination of crunchy almonds and tender green beans creates a delightful experience that is sure to please any palate. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Green Beans Almondine

The ultimate comfort food meets elegance with Green Beans Almondine. This easy weeknight dinner features crisp green beans and crunchy almonds, all sautéed to perfection. It’s a dish that brings a touch of sophistication to your table and is simple enough to make tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Food Processor
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces green beans preferably haricot verts, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more for seasoning
• 1 clove garlic grated
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. As the water heats, prepare a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath will help stop the cooking process once the green beans are blanched. It’s crucial for maintaining their bright green color and crisp texture.
• Once the water is at a rolling boil, drop the green beans into the pot. Blanch them for about 2 minutes. You'll want them tender but still vibrant and crunchy. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
• Immediately after 2 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans to the ice water. This shock will halt the cooking process, ensuring they don’t become mushy. Let them sit for a minute or two, then drain and lay them out on a towel to dry.
• In a cast-iron skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the dry skillet. Toast them for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully, as they can burn easily! Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
• Next, add the olive oil to the skillet. If the skillet is too hot, turn down the heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shallot and sprinkle in the sea salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the shallots become soft and translucent. The aroma will be heavenly!
• Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans back into the skillet. Sauté them for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often. You want them to be warmed through and tender but still have a slight bite.
• Once the green beans are at the desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grated garlic and the fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine and season to taste with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Transfer the completed Green Beans Almondine to a serving dish. Top with the toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the green beans.

Keyword Easy Side Dish, Green Bean Recipes, Green Beans Almondine, toasted almond recipes

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!