Green Bean Almondine is a bright and crunchy dish that stars fresh green beans and crispy almonds. It’s a quick and tasty side that’s perfect for any meal!
Honestly, the toasted almonds give it such a nice crunch. I can’t resist sneaking a few before they even make it to the table! 😄
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just steam the beans, toss them with melted butter and almonds, and you’re done! Simple and satisfying every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here. For a quick meal, you can use frozen green beans. Just be sure to blanch them briefly to preserve that bright color.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the dish. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too and gives a slightly sweet flavor.
Sliced Almonds: Almonds add crunch and nuttiness. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes!
Shallot: It provides a mild onion flavor. If you can’t find shallots, a small onion or even green onions can be used. Adjust the quantity based on your taste!
Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for brightness! If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar can brighten up the dish as well.
How Do You Get Green Beans Just Right?
To get the best texture from your green beans, follow these simple steps:
- Start with boiling salted water. This enhances the green beans’ flavor and helps them stay vibrant green.
- Cook them for only 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. You don’t want them mushy!
- Quickly transfer them to an ice bath right after boiling. This stops the cooking process and keeps them crisp.
These steps ensure your green beans will maintain their color, flavor, and crunch, making your Green Bean Almondine a delightful side dish!
How to Make Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare! The cooking time is quick, with about 5 minutes for blanching the green beans and another 5-10 minutes for sautéing everything together. It’s a speedy side that fits perfectly into any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. This keeps them vibrant and crunchy! After cooking, drain the beans and quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain them again and set aside.
2. Toasting the Almonds:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the sliced almonds. Cook them while stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
3. Adding Shallots and Garlic:
To the buttery, toasted almonds, add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté them together for 1-2 minutes until the shallot is soft and the mixture is aromatic. This adds great flavor to your dish!
4. Combining All Ingredients:
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the buttery almond mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and blend the flavors together.
5. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last toss to combine.
6. Serving:
Transfer your green beans almondine to a serving dish. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some extra toasted almonds on top for garnish. Serve immediately and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your delightful Green Bean Almondine—it’s a refreshing side that pairs well with so many dishes!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw them first. To maintain their crunchiness, blanch them in boiling water for just a couple of minutes before immediately transferring them to an ice bath, just like you would with fresh beans.
What If I Don’t Have Almonds?
No problem! You can substitute the sliced almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch! Just be sure to toast them for maximum flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat to preserve their texture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The flavor will still be wonderful, and you’ll have a delicious vegan side dish!
