If you have been searching for a fresh, vibrant side dish that brings a perfect balance of crunch and zest to your meal, the Green Beans Almondine Recipe is your new go-to. This classic dish dazzles with tender green beans tossed in rich butter, toasted almonds, and a bright splash of lemon, making every bite a delightful dance of textures and flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe adds a sophisticated yet effortless charm to your table that is sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; the ingredients in this Green Beans Almondine Recipe each play a starring role. From the fresh snap of green beans to the nutty warmth of almonds and the buttery richness that ties it all together, every element is essential for achieving that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound green beans: Fresh and crisp, these are the heart of the dish, providing a vibrant color and satisfying crunch.
- ¼ cup sliced almonds: Toasted for a wonderful nutty flavor and crunchy texture that complements the beans perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps carry the flavors of the almonds and garlic.
- Pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural freshness of the beans.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: From half a lemon, this brightens the dish with a zesty punch that balances the butter’s richness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Introduces a mellow savory depth that elevates the entire recipe.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then add your green beans. Blanching them for about 3 minutes until they turn a bright green helps set their color and keeps them tender yet crisp. This simple step is key to that fresh, vibrant bite the Green Beans Almondine Recipe is known for.
Step 2: Shock in Ice Water
Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to a large bowl of ice water. This cool bath stops the cooking process, preserving their lovely color and crisp texture. Drain them well in a colander once cooled to avoid excess water in your dish.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds
In a sauté pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they turn golden brown and release their nutty aroma. Taking care not to burn them is crucial, as toasted almonds provide that signature crunch and deep flavor in the Green Beans Almondine Recipe.
Step 4: Melt Butter and Combine with Almonds
Add the unsalted butter to the pan with your toasted almonds, letting it melt and coat each slice. This step creates a luscious, flavorful base that infuses the dish with a rich, buttery nuttiness that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Toss in Beans, Season, and Finish
Finally, add the blanched green beans to the pan, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Toss everything to ensure the beans are evenly coated in the butter and almonds. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and minced garlic for a bright, aromatic finish that makes this Green Beans Almondine Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Green Beans Almondine Recipe even further, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top. A light dusting of lemon zest can add an extra pop of freshness, making the dish even more inviting and colorful on your plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a dream partner for roast chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty steak. Its bright and buttery profile complements rich proteins beautifully, while its crisp texture offers a pleasant contrast to creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, arrange the green beans neatly on a serving platter and scatter the toasted almonds on top. You can also serve individual portions in small ramekins garnished with a lemon wedge. This makes the Green Beans Almondine Recipe suitable for dinner parties or family meals alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Beans Almondine Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this tasty side dish without extra effort on busy days.
Freezing
While green beans and butter-rich almond mixtures don’t freeze optimally because of texture changes, you can freeze the green beans separately blanched and drained. Thaw and quickly sauté with fresh almonds and lemon just before serving to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a sauté pan over low heat to preserve the crunch of the almonds and avoid overcooking the green beans. Adding a little fresh lemon juice after warming revives their bright flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, but fresh green beans give the best texture and color for this recipe. If you choose frozen, thaw and drain them well before proceeding with the recipe steps.
What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be toasted and used as a nut-free alternative to almonds. They add a similar crunch and nuttiness without the risk of allergens.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine. The flavor profile remains deliciously rich and satisfying.
How can I add more flavor to this Green Beans Almondine Recipe?
Try adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra layer of savory or spicy notes. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill also complement the butter and almonds nicely.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
You can prep most components in advance, such as blanching your beans and toasting almonds, but it’s best to combine and finish the dish shortly before serving. This keeps the green beans crisp and the almonds perfectly toasted.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is a timeless, crowd-pleasing side that’s remarkably easy to prepare but feels truly special at the table. It’s a wonderful way to showcase fresh green beans with a nutty, buttery twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your cooking rotation!
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This classic Green Beans Almondine recipe features tender green beans sautéed with toasted almonds, butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice, creating a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Nuts
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Dairy & Others
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- Pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
- Shock the Beans: Use tongs to transfer the green beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
- Toast the Almonds: Place the sliced almonds in a sauté pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Melt Butter and Combine: Add the unsalted butter to the pan with the toasted almonds and stir to melt the butter and coat the nuts evenly.
- Toss the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the pan with the almonds and butter. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing everything together to coat well in the butter.
- Finish with Lemon and Garlic: Remove the pan from heat, then add the minced garlic and lemon juice. Toss once more to combine, letting the residual heat gently soften the garlic and distribute the lemon flavor.
Notes
- For crispier green beans, reduce boiling time by 30 seconds.
- Use raw sliced almonds for best toasting results; avoid pre-roasted almonds.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil.
- Ensure the green beans are dried well after shocking to prevent sogginess when sautéing.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
