Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish that combines tender-crisp green beans with a simple yet flavorful almond and butter sauce. This dish is a great way to add some green vegetables to your meal and is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make Green Beans Almondine from scratch and give you some tips for customizing it to your taste.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines the natural goodness of green beans with the nutty flavor of almonds. The light sautéing process keeps the beans vibrant and tender while allowing the almonds to release their oils and develop a rich taste. You should make this dish because it's easy to prepare, and it's an excellent way to enjoy green beans while getting the benefits of almonds, which are rich in healthy fats and nutrients.
What makes this recipe so good is that it is not only easy to make, but it's also a healthier alternative to other side dishes. Green beans are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and the almonds add healthy fats and protein. The dish is also versatile and can be customized to your liking, whether you want to add more garlic or lemon juice to the sauce, or swap out the sliced almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts. Overall, this Green Beans Almondine recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, and it's a great way to add some color and flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Green beans - Fresh, crisp green beans are the star of this dish. You can substitute them with frozen green beans if fresh ones are unavailable.
Almonds - Sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients. Substitute with other nuts like pecans or walnuts if desired.
Garlic - A small amount of minced garlic adds depth to the flavor. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
Butter - Unsalted butter is used for sautéing. Olive oil can be a healthier alternative.
Lemon - A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Lime juice is a suitable substitute.
Tips
- Choose fresh green beans that are firm and bright green.
- Blanch the green beans before sautéing to preserve their color and texture.
- Toast the almonds in a separate pan to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.
- If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
How to Serve
Green Beans Almondine is a versatile side dish that can be served alongside a variety of main courses. Its light, yet flavorful profile complements different proteins and flavors. Here are three specific ideas for serving this dish:
- Pair with grilled or baked chicken for a balanced and healthy meal.
- Serve alongside a juicy steak for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
- Accompany it with your favorite vegetarian or vegan protein for a wholesome plant-based meal.
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Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon juiced
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- In a separate pan, toast the almonds until golden brown.
- Add the almonds to the green beans and stir to combine.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose fresh green beans that are firm and bright green.
- Blanch the green beans before sautéing to preserve their color and texture.
- Toast the almonds in a separate pan to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.
- If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.