Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans tossed with toasted sliced almonds, garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon juice. This easy and flavorful recipe combines a satisfying crunch with bright citrus notes, making it a perfect accompaniment to any main course, especially for holiday meals or simple weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon salt (for blanching)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fats
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Nuts & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender yet still crisp. Promptly drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent burning. The almonds should be a golden brown color.
- Add Garlic and Green Beans: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them to coat with the almond, butter, and oil mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans, season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Toss one final time and serve the Green Beans Almondine warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- If using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.
- Toast almonds carefully as they can burn quickly; keep stirring to ensure even toasting.
