Green Beans Almandine: A Simple and Elegant Side Dish

Green Beans Almondine is a classic and sophisticated side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With crisp, tender green beans, toasted almonds, and a rich butter sauce, this dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight meal special, Green Beans Almondine adds a touch of elegance to your table.

Why Green Beans Almondine Is So Special

Green Beans Almondine is known for its balance of textures and flavors. The green beans are perfectly cooked, still crisp-tender, while the almonds add a delightful crunch. The butter sauce, flavored with garlic and lemon, ties everything together, making it a side dish that complements almost any main course. It’s light yet indulgent and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!

Key Ingredients for Green Beans Almondine

Let’s go over the ingredients needed to make this simple but flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 lb (about 450g), trimmed
• Slivered Almonds: 1/3 cup
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): 2 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Recipe for Green Beans Almondine

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started with this delicious side dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

• Trim the ends off the green beans by snapping or cutting them. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
• Once cooked, immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Add the slivered almonds to the pan and toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them!
• Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

• In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, but be sure not to burn it.
• Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, tossing to coat the beans in the butter and garlic.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Season

• Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest (if using) to brighten up the flavor.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Green Beans Almondine pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or fish. It also complements rich dishes such as roasted pork or a holiday turkey. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad to create a balanced meal.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh green beans will give a better texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them before cooking and reduce the blanching time.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Green Beans Almondine is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the green beans and the crunch of the almonds. However, you can prep the green beans and almonds ahead of time and then quickly sauté them before serving.

3. Can I add other nuts to this recipe?

Yes! You can use other nuts like pecans or walnuts as a substitute for almonds. Toast them the same way and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.

4. How do I keep the green beans crispy?

The key to crispy green beans is not overcooking them. Blanching them in boiling water and then transferring them to ice water helps to preserve their crisp-tender texture.

5. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute for butter, but the flavor will be slightly different. If you prefer, you can also use a mix of butter and olive oil for a balance of flavors.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, to make this dish vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter or olive oil. The almonds and garlic will still give it plenty of flavor!

7. What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, though fresh juice will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or baby carrots for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they are cooked to your liking.

9. Can I use whole almonds instead of slivered almonds?

Yes, you can use whole almonds if that’s what you have. Just slice or chop them into smaller pieces before toasting them in the pan.

10. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the green beans in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through.