Green Bean Almondine is a bright and tasty dish made with fresh green beans and crunchy almonds. It’s quick to make and a great side for any meal!
I love how the garlic and buttery almonds add such a nice touch. Plus, it’s healthy enough to make me feel good about that extra slice of cake later! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe due to their tender texture and bright color. If you can’t find fresh, you can use frozen green beans, but skip the blanching step.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the seasoning. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, olive oil works wonderfully too!
Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add a great crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a similar texture. Feel free to skip them if needed!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really brings out the flavor. If you don’t have fresh, about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice really brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always better.
How Do I Keep My Green Beans Bright Green and Crisp?
Blanching is the secret trick! This process involves two simple steps: boiling and shocking.
- First, boil the green beans in salted water for just 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender.
- Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This shock halts cooking and keeps the beans vibrant.
This method not only preserves color but also helps to maintain that lovely crunch we all love in green beans!
How to Make Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes preparing and blanching the green beans, and then about 10-15 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick yet elegant side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. After that, quickly drain them and plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep the beans bright green and crunchy!
2. Toasting the Almonds:
While the green beans are chilling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced almonds. Cook them while stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Adding Garlic and Beans:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted almonds. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is aromatic but not browned. Then, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the beans with the butter, almonds, and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the beans are warmed through.
4. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one final toss to combine everything nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving plate. If you like, garnish with some lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor! Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, crunchy side dish!
Happy cooking! Enjoy this classic, buttery green bean side dish with a lovely crunch from toasted almonds!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them before starting the recipe to ensure they cook evenly. You can blanch them in boiling water for just 2-3 minutes as you would with fresh beans.
What If I Don’t Have Almonds?
No problem! If you don’t have almonds, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even seeds such as sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Just toast them lightly in the skillet for flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can blanch the green beans and prepare the almond and garlic mixture ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve. Freshly sauté them just before serving for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking the beans.
