Irresistible Green Bean Almondine: A Flavorful Delight

The aroma of sautéed green beans mixed with the nutty goodness of toasted almonds fills the air, inviting you to take a bite. Green bean almondine is a delightful dish, bursting with flavor and texture that dances on your palate. Imagine crisp-tender green beans, glistening with butter, and crowned with golden almonds; it’s not just a side dish, it’s an experience.

This dish takes me back to family gatherings where my grandmother would whip up her famous green bean almondine. It was the star of our holiday meals, and the excitement in the room was palpable as we anticipated that first bite. Perfect for any occasion—from holidays to weeknight dinners—this recipe promises to elevate your meal and have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for green bean almondine

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Green Beans: Choose bright green beans that snap easily for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness while adding richness to the dish.
• Sliced Almonds: Opt for raw or blanched almonds; they provide a lovely crunch when toasted.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
• Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance all flavors without overpowering them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make green bean almondine

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Green Beans

Begin by washing your fresh green beans under cool water. Trim off both ends using kitchen scissors or a knife—this is like giving them a fresh haircut!

Step 2: Blanch the Beans

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and then carefully toss in your green beans. Blanch them for about three minutes until they turn bright green but remain crisp.

Step 3: Ice Bath Time

Immediately transfer the blanched beans into a bowl filled with ice water to stop cooking. This will keep them crunchy and vibrant—you don’t want sad-looking beans!

Step 4: Toast Those Almonds

In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add sliced almonds and toast them until they’re golden brown—keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! It’ll take about three to five minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the almonds are toasted, add the drained green beans back into the skillet. Pour in another tablespoon of melted butter and squeeze half a lemon over everything. Season generously with salt and pepper while tossing gently to coat.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful green bean almondine onto a serving platter or individual plates for that extra touch! Garnish with additional lemon slices if desired, then sit back and watch those faces light up at dinner time.

Now you have all the secrets to creating mouthwatering green bean almondine! Enjoy this delightful dish alongside your favorite mains or as part of a festive feast—either way, it’s bound to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching your green beans until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp. While they’re cooling in an ice bath, toast your almonds in a skillet. Combine everything with melted butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for that perfect finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish! You can swap out almonds for pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat to make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain that delightful crunch without turning mushy.

Sharing this recipe with my friends at a potluck was unforgettable—they devoured it before I could even grab a plate! The laughter and compliments made all the effort worthwhile, reminding me how food brings people together.

FAQs :

What is green bean almondine?

Green bean almondine is a classic French dish that features fresh green beans sautéed with toasted almonds and often finished with a hint of lemon. The combination of the crunchy almonds and tender green beans creates a delightful texture and flavor profile. This dish serves as a vibrant side, complementing various main courses, especially during special occasions or holiday meals.

How do you make green bean almondine?

To prepare green bean almondine, start by blanching fresh green beans in boiling water until they are tender-crisp. Drain and shock them in ice water to preserve their color. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced almonds until golden brown. Add the blanched green beans, toss to combine, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Can I use frozen green beans for almondine?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans for making green bean almondine. However, it’s important to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking. While fresh green beans provide a better texture and taste, frozen beans can be a convenient option that still delivers delicious results when prepared correctly.

What dishes pair well with green bean almondine?

Green bean almondine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It complements roasted chicken, grilled fish, or beef tenderloin wonderfully. Additionally, serving it alongside rice or quinoa adds another layer of texture and flavor. This dish also enhances holiday meals, providing a festive touch to your dinner table.

Conclusion for green bean almondine :

In conclusion, green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the freshness of green beans and the crunchiness of toasted almonds. With its bright flavors enhanced by lemon juice, it makes an excellent side dish for various main courses. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests while being easy to prepare. Enjoy creating this delightful addition to your meal!

Print

Green Bean Almondine

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Experience the perfect blend of crisp-tender green beans and crunchy toasted almonds, enhanced with a hint of lemon. This vibrant dish elevates any meal with its delightful flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Fresh Green Beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

---

Instructions

1. Wash the fresh green beans under cool water and trim both ends.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 3 minutes until bright green but crisp.
3. Immediately transfer the blanched beans to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and preserve their color.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced almonds and toast for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet with the toasted almonds. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of melted butter, squeeze lemon juice over everything, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates, garnishing with additional lemon slices if desired.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic when sautéing the almonds. Substitute sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Adjust lemon juice according to taste for more brightness.