Green Bean Almondine is a bright and crunchy dish made with fresh green beans and toasted almonds. It’s simple yet fancy enough to impress your friends at dinner!
Honestly, who can resist a combination of green beans and crispy almonds? I love serving this with roasted chicken – it adds a splash of color to the plate and is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here; they provide a lovely crunch. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen green beans, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter instead for a similar taste.
Almonds: Sliced almonds are traditional, but you could substitute slivered almonds or even toasted pine nuts for a different twist. Sunflower seeds could work too for a nut-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: Fresh is always best, but bottled lemon juice can be a substitute if that’s what you have. It adds brightness to the dish.
How Can I Perfectly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching is a simple technique that keeps vegetables bright and crisp. Here’s how you do it:
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. The salt helps to season the beans and preserve their color.
- Add the green beans and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and just tender.
- Quickly transfer the beans to an ice water bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water). This stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy.
- Drain the beans and dry them off well. This ensures they don’t get soggy when you sauté them later.
This technique helps maintain a beautiful shade of green and a snappy texture in your dish!
How to Make Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes in total! You’ll need around 5 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a side dish during any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop in the trimmed green beans. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just a bit tender but still crunchy. After they’re done, drain the beans and quickly place them in a bowl of ice water. This helps to keep their lovely color. Once they are cooled down, drain them again and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Toast the Almonds:
Next, you’ll want to grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the sliced almonds. Stir them frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and smell amazing. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
3. Add Garlic and the Green Beans:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the blanched green beans and give everything a good mix. Cook for about 2-3 minutes just until the beans are heated through.
4. Finish with Lemon and Seasoning:
Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to combine everything nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your beautiful Green Bean Almondine to a serving dish. If you have any leftover toasted almonds, feel free to sprinkle them on top for extra crunch! Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. You may want to blanch them a little longer to ensure they’re tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook the beans, or they may lose their crunch.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving for the best texture and flavor!
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
While sliced almonds are traditional, you can switch things up by using toasted pecans or walnuts for a different flavor. Just make sure to toast them before adding for the best taste!
