If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and simple, the Green Beans Almondine Recipe is an absolute gem. This classic side is bursting with vibrant green beans sautéed to crisp-tender perfection, enriched by the nutty crunch of toasted slivered almonds and a bright hit of fresh lemon juice. It’s a beautifully balanced combination that adds sophistication to any meal while remaining incredibly approachable to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe sings with flavor and texture, making it a steadfast favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Beans Almondine Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a distinct role. From the crispness of fresh green beans to the aromatic warmth of garlic, every component is essential in creating that perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
- Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and washed for that crisp-tender base that’s the heart of the dish.
- Slivered Almonds: Toasted until golden to bring a fragrant nuttiness and delightful crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, silky medium for sautéing that carries the garlic and coats the beans beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced finely to infuse a subtle pungency without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten and lift the flavors with a citrusy zing.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing every element’s natural flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a mild, warming kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a splash of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing your fresh green beans and trimming off the tough ends. This simple prep step sets you up for green beans that will cook evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a bright green color and are just starting to become tender. Blanching is key to preserving their vibrant color and snap.
Step 3: Shock the Beans
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This shocking process halts the cooking so the beans stay perfectly crisp and their color remains vivid. Set them aside once cooled.
Step 4: Toast the Almonds
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye because almonds can shift from perfect to burnt very quickly. Toasting really unlocks their deep, nutty flavor.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat and melt unsalted butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to infuse the butter with its lovely aroma without letting the garlic burn or become bitter.
Step 6: Add the Green Beans
Drain the blanched beans thoroughly and toss them into the garlic butter. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans are heated through and evenly coated in the buttery garlic goodness.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Remove the pan from the heat and add freshly squeezed lemon juice, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the toasted almonds gently, combining all the lovely flavors and textures.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Green Beans Almondine to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the nutty and buttery notes perfectly.
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic parsley, you can experiment with a little grated lemon zest or a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile, making your dish truly shine.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, rich dishes such as mashed potatoes or creamy risotto, and even alongside a simple grain bowl for a lighter meal. It’s a versatile side that always adds a touch of elegance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the green beans in a long, narrow serving platter with the almonds artistically scattered on top. Or present individual portions in small, decorative ramekins to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The green beans will retain their flavor and the almonds their crunch if kept properly chilled.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish if necessary. Blanch the beans and freeze them separately from the toasted almonds for a better texture after thawing. When ready, reheat the beans gently and add freshly toasted almonds for optimal crunch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the green beans in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to refresh their flavor and texture. Add the toasted almonds last to maintain their crispness and serve immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe?
Yes, you can, but fresh green beans tend to hold their texture better and provide a brighter flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry them well before blanching to avoid sogginess.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you’re not a fan of almonds or have allergies, toasted chopped pecans or walnuts also offer a wonderful nutty crunch that pairs nicely with the green beans.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make this vegan by swapping the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How do I get the almonds perfectly toasted?
Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. Watch closely because almonds toast quickly and you want a rich golden brown without burning them, which creates a bitter taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced mushrooms or pearl onions sautéed alongside the green beans can add a wonderful depth of flavor and make the dish heartier.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about mastering the Green Beans Almondine Recipe. It’s a dish that manages to be fancy yet straightforward, comforting yet fresh, and each bite feels like a little celebration. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your dining table any time of the year.
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic, elegant side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in buttery garlic sauce and topped with toasted slivered almonds and fresh lemon juice. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and fresh flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
Almonds and Sauce
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans, removing any stems and ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Shock the Beans: Immediately transfer the cooked green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Add the Green Beans: Drain the blanched green beans from the ice water and add them to the skillet. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the garlic butter.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the toasted almonds to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- To toast almonds evenly, keep stirring to avoid burning.
- Make sure not to overcook green beans during blanching to maintain their crisp texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for best flavor.
