Green Bean Almondine is a tasty and quick side dish that combines crisp green beans and crunchy almonds. Tossed in butter, it’s a simple way to add some color to your plate!
Honestly, the crunchy almonds make this dish feel special. I love serving it with roasted chicken for a nice family dinner. Plus, it looks fancy without the fuss! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh is best! Look for bright green, firm beans. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen green beans. They may be a bit softer but will still taste good!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the salt. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You can substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer. Toasting them enhances their flavor!
Shallots: They provide a mild, sweet onion flavor. You can replace them with finely chopped onion or green onions if that’s what you have on hand.
Lemon Juice: It’s optional but does brighten the dish. Any citrus juice like lime or even a splash of vinegar can work too!
How Do I Keep My Green Beans Bright and Crisp?
To achieve that perfect bright green color and crisp texture, it’s all about blanching! Here’s how to do it:
- Boil salted water in a large pot. This enhances flavor and helps with the brightness.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water for 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still have a bit of snap.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and sets the color.
- Drain the beans well before adding them to the skillet for the best texture in your dish.
Taking this extra step keeps your green beans looking fresh and appetizing!
Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Sliced Almonds: 1/4 cup
- Shallot: 1 small, finely chopped
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have this green bean almondine ready to enjoy in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help brighten the color of the green beans. Once it’s boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Then, carefully drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep them a beautiful green color. Once cooled, drain them again and set aside.
2. Toast the Almonds:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced almonds to the pan, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and smell amazing—around 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn! Once they’re done, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Shallots:
In the same skillet that you used for the almonds (there’s no need to wash it!), add the finely chopped shallots. Sauté them in the leftover butter and almond flavor for 1-2 minutes, just until they become soft and fragrant.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Now it’s time to add the drained green beans back into the skillet. Toss them with the butter and shallots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Make sure the green beans are well coated with the buttery mixture.
5. Finish with Almonds and Seasoning:
Gently fold the toasted almonds back into the skillet with the green beans. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. If you’d like, you can also drizzle some lemon juice to add a bright, zesty flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed, transfer the green bean almondine to a serving dish and enjoy it warm. It’s a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal!
This classic Green Bean Almondine is vibrant, buttery, and full of crunchy almond texture—perfect as a side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be a great time saver! Just be sure to blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes to achieve the tender-crisp texture before adding them to the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a tiny bit of butter to help rehydrate the beans and keep them flavorful.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the green beans and sauté the shallots ahead of time. Just combine them with the toasted almonds and season just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like sliced carrots or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender but still crisp.
