Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Simple yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you get a sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal.
-
Crunchy and Buttery: The toasted almonds add crunch, while the butter and lemon give the dish a rich, refreshing flavor.
-
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinner plans.
-
Versatile: Pairs well with everything from roasted meats to fish or as part of a vegetarian spread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
1/4 cup sliced almonds
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
-
Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring constantly, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
-
Cook the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the almonds. Toss to coat in the butter and almonds, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
-
Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve: Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4-6
-
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
-
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
-
Garlic Addition: Sauté a clove of minced garlic along with the almonds for added flavor.
- Other Nuts: Try using pine nuts or walnuts in place of almonds for a different flavor and texture.
-
Vegan Version: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
-
Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or tarragon for an herby flavor.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.
How do I prevent the almonds from burning?
Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting them and stir constantly to ensure even browning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds in advance, but it’s best to assemble and cook the dish right before serving for the freshest flavor.
How can I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes to the butter and almond mixture for a little heat.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute the green beans with other beans like haricot verts or asparagus for a similar effect.
Can I make this dish without lemon?
Yes, but lemon adds a nice brightness to balance the richness of the butter. You can omit it or substitute with a splash of vinegar for a different acidity.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans work wonderfully in place of almonds.
How do I keep the green beans crisp?
Blanching the beans properly and quickly cooling them in ice water helps preserve their crispness. Avoid overcooking them.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, this dish can be served as a chilled salad or at room temperature as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Green Beans Almondine is a timeless side dish that combines simple ingredients into an elegant, flavorful offering. With its buttery richness, crunchy almonds, and refreshing lemon notes, it’s sure to complement any main course. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite on your table.
Green Beans Almondine
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring tender green beans, a buttery sauce, toasted almonds, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon. Simple yet elegant, this dish is perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or any occasion that calls for a flavorful, fresh vegetable side.
Ingredients
-
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
1/4 cup sliced almonds
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
-
Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
-
Cook the Green Beans: Add blanched green beans to the skillet with the almonds. Toss to coat in butter and almonds, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
-
Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve: Transfer green beans almondine to a platter and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Garlic Addition: Sauté minced garlic with the almonds for an added flavor boost.Other Nuts: Swap almonds for pine nuts or walnuts for variety.Vegan Version: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or tarragon for a herby touch.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
