Learn how to prepare a classic French Green Beans Almondine recipe that’s an impressive side dish dish with tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a holiday meal.
I’m a huge fan of green beans, and I’m happy every year when its season starts and I usually make the best sautéed green beans.
- Why Are You Going To Love This Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- What is Green Beans Almondine?
- Ingredients Needed
- How To Make Green Beans Almondine
- Tips For Making The Best Green Beans Almondine
- Recipe Variations
- Storing Ideas
- Can I Use Frozen Green Beans For Green Beans Almondine?
- Can I make Green Beans Almondine in advance?
- More Side Dishes Recipes
- Green Beans Almondine
Green beans are a tender vegetable with a subtle flavour and aroma, and this recipe for sautéed green beans almondine will highlight all that is good about this vegetable.
Create an impressive side dish that captures the essence of the holidays with our green beans almondine recipe. This elegant dish combines tender green beans with the rich, nutty flavor of toasted almonds.
Green beans, with their vibrant color and crisp texture, are beautifully complemented by the subtle crunch of almonds, making this a classic and fancy addition to any holiday feast. The simplicity of this dish, using just a few common ingredients, allows the natural flavors of the green beans and almonds to shine.
Whether you’re preparing a special holiday meal or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this green beans almondine recipe is a delicious and visually stunning choice that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Why Are You Going To Love This Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Loaded with delicious flavors.
- It’s super easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- You can make them ahead of time.
- It’s a versatile recipe that pairs perfectly with many main courses.
- Looks impressive. The vibrant green beans, golden almonds, and fresh parsley make for a visually stunning addition to your plate.
- Rich in vitamins and fiber, almonds provide healthy fats and protein, making this dish a wholesome choice.
- Made from easy-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable recipe. Feel free to add your personal touch by experimenting with additional seasonings or ingredients like lemon zest or Parmesan cheese.
What is Green Beans Almondine?
Green beans almondine, also known as “haricots verts amandine” in French cuisine, is a classic and elegant side dish that showcases the delicious combination of tender green beans and toasted almonds.
To make green beans almondine, fresh green beans are usually blanched briefly in boiling water to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. They are then sautéed in butter until tender and fragrant. The dish gets its name from the “almondine” part, which refers to the toasted almond garnish.
Sliced or flaked almonds are toasted in butter until they turn golden brown and release a delightful nutty aroma. These toasted almonds are then sprinkled generously over the cooked green beans, adding a wonderful contrast in texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need only a couple of ingredients to make this easy side dish with green beans:
- Green Beans – use fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter – adds richness to this dish and helps the sauce coat the green beans.
- Onion – add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic Cloves – use fresh minced garlic for an intense flavor.
- Salt & pepper – enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Lemon Juice and Zest- adds a bright, zesty kick to the dish.
- Parsley – adds a burst of color and contributes a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Sliced Almonds – this is the key ingredient that gives the dish its signature crunch and nutty flavor.
How To Make Green Beans Almondine
Prepare for Blanching: Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Simultaneously, prepare a spacious bowl of ice water and set it aside. You’ll use this ice water bath to blanch the green beans.
Toast Almonds: While the water is heating up, take a large skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a delightful golden brown. Once done, transfer the toasted almonds to a plate and set them aside.
Blanch the Green Beans: Now that the water in the pot is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. Carefully place the trimmed green beans into the boiling water. Let them blanch for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and achieve a crisp-tender texture.
Ice Water Bath: Quickly retrieve the green beans from the boiling water, using a slotted spoon or tongs, and immediately transfer them to the bowl of ice water. This step is crucial to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. After a minute or two in the ice water, drain the green beans and set them aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet you used for toasting almonds, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and tender.
Combine with Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Continue until they are heated through and reach a slightly tender state.
Season and Toss: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the green beans are evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning.
Final Touch: To finish, sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds generously over the green beans, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips For Making The Best Green Beans Almondine
- Use Fresh Green Beans. Choose fresh, crisp green beans with vibrant colors, and avoid wilted beans or brown spots.
- Toast Almonds to Perfection and watch them closely to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to ensure even toasting.
- Blanch the Green Beans. Before sautéing, blanch the green beans in boiling water for a minute or two, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to preserve their vibrant green color and ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook. Be mindful not to overcook the green beans. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Keep a close eye on them while sautéing.
- Fresh Parsley. Use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Recipe Variations
This Green Beans Almondine is a versatile side dish, and you can add various ingredients to customize it to your taste. Here are some great ideas for additional ingredients that you can add to this:
- Bacon: Crumbled bacon bits can add a smoky and savory element to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the shallots for an earthy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for a creamy boost.
- Lemon Zest: Add some freshly grated lemon zest with lemon juice for an extra citrusy punch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Substitute or combine with almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- To make vegan green beans almondine, omit the butter – easy and delicious.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the green beans almondine leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that the green beans will have a softer, more watery texture when you thaw and reheat.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans For Green Beans Almondine?
While fresh green beans are commonly used, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Can I make Green Beans Almondine in advance?
Yes, you can make Green Beans Almondine in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it’s best to reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
More Side Dishes Recipes
- 2 Ingredient Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower
Green Beans Almondine
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 small onion finely chopped, or shallot
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set it aside. This will be used for blanching the green beans.
- While the water is heating up, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Once done, transfer the almonds to a plate and set them aside.
- Once the water in the pot is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt, and then carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the green beans for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Quickly remove the green beans from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or tongs and immediately transfer them to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help them retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. After a minute or two in the ice water, drain them and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and tender.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through and slightly tender.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together to coat the green beans evenly with the seasoning.
- Finally, sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds over the green beans and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
Haven’t thought about this in ages, as soon as I saw this posted on Foodgawker I ran to the store for almonds and fresh green beans. It was on the table w/ dinner last night! Simple, classic, and loved by all. <3