Green Bean Almondine Recipe

In our home, weeknight dinners are often a dance between speed and flavor. Like many families, we juggle busy schedules, but we also crave meals that are both nutritious and exciting. Green Bean Almondine has become a delightful staple in our rotation, effortlessly bridging that gap. The first time I made it, I was struck by its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients transforming humble green beans into something truly special. The kids, surprisingly, devoured their greens, charmed by the buttery richness and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. My partner, a self-proclaimed vegetable skeptic, even went back for seconds! It’s a recipe that feels both classic and contemporary, elegant enough to grace a holiday table yet easy enough for a Tuesday night. If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort, look no further than this Green Bean Almondine recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m excited to share my version with you!

Ingredients for Green Bean Almondine

Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic and flavorful side dish. Simple, fresh ingredients are key to the best Green Bean Almondine.

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and preferably French-style (Haricot Vert) for their slender and tender texture. You can also use regular green beans, just ensure they are fresh and crisp.
• Sliced Almonds: ½ cup, providing a delightful nutty crunch and classic Almondine flavor. Slivered almonds can also be used if preferred.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, adding richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, brightens the dish with a zesty tang and balances the buttery richness. Freshly squeezed is always recommended for the best flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, infusing the butter with a subtle aromatic depth. Fresh garlic is crucial for that pungent and savory note.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste, enhancing all the flavors and bringing them together. Kosher salt or sea salt are excellent choices.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, adding a hint of spice and complexity. Freshly ground pepper offers a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
• Optional: Shallot: 1 small, finely minced (for a more nuanced flavor) – adds a delicate oniony sweetness that elevates the buttery sauce.

Instructions: How to Make Green Bean Almondine

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect Green Bean Almondine side dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Begin by washing and trimming your green beans. If using standard green beans, you might want to halve or quarter them lengthwise for quicker cooking and a more delicate texture. French green beans (Haricot Vert) usually only need trimming at the stem end.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and bright green. Blanching is crucial as it cooks the beans perfectly while retaining their vibrant color and slight crunch. Avoid overcooking, as you want them to have a bit of bite.
3. Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process instantly and preserves their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Leave them in the ice bath for a few minutes until completely cooled.
4. Toast the Almonds: While the green beans are cooling, prepare the almonds. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them, as they can go from toasted to burnt quickly. Toasted almonds are essential for the nutty flavor and satisfying crunch of Almondine. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté Garlic and Shallot (Optional): In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If using shallots, add the minced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sautéing the garlic and shallot in butter infuses the butter with their aromatic flavors, creating a delicious base for the sauce.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and balances the flavors. Season to taste, remembering that you can always add more salt and pepper later.
7. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Drain the cooled green beans thoroughly and add them to the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the green beans evenly in the flavorful butter mixture.
8. Add Toasted Almonds: Add the toasted almonds to the skillet and toss again to combine. Ensure the almonds are distributed throughout the green beans.
9. Serve Immediately: Green Bean Almondine is best served immediately while the green beans are still slightly warm and the almonds are crisp. Serve as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. Garnish with extra toasted almonds or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts for Green Bean Almondine (Per Serving, Estimated)

These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is based on a recipe serving 6 people.

• Serving Size: Approximately ¾ cup
• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Fat: 9-12g

Please note: These values are approximate and for informational purposes only. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time for Green Bean Almondine

This elegant side dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (trimming green beans, mincing garlic and shallot)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (blanching beans, toasting almonds, making sauce)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Green Bean Almondine is a fantastic choice when you need a delicious and impressive side dish ready in under 30 minutes. Its simplicity is part of its charm, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal.

How to Serve Green Bean Almondine

Green Bean Almondine is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Alongside Protein Dishes:
  • Roasted Chicken: The buttery flavors complement the savory chicken perfectly.
  • Grilled Salmon: The lemon and almond notes enhance the delicate flavor of salmon.
  • Pan-Seared Steak: Provides a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to rich steak.
  • Baked Pork Tenderloin: A classic pairing that elevates a simple pork dish.
  • Tofu or Tempeh: For vegetarian or vegan options, Almondine adds richness and flavor.
• As Part of a Holiday Meal:
  • Thanksgiving or Christmas: A lighter and elegant vegetable side amidst heavier holiday fare.
  • Easter Brunch or Dinner: Its fresh flavors are perfect for spring celebrations.
• For Weeknight Dinners:
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Pairs well with almost any protein or grain-based main course.
• Consider Garnishes:
  • Extra Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle more toasted almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
  • Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
  • Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can enhance the citrusy notes.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.

Additional Tips for Perfect Green Bean Almondine

Elevate your Green Bean Almondine with these helpful tips and tricks for the best possible flavor and texture.

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Green Beans: The quality of your green beans significantly impacts the final dish. Choose firm, bright green beans without blemishes. French green beans (Haricot Vert) are ideal for their tenderness and delicate flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Blanching is key, but be careful not to overcook them. You want them to be crisp-tender, retaining a slight bite. Overcooked green beans will be mushy and lose their vibrant color. The ice bath is crucial to stop the cooking process.
3. Toast Almonds Carefully: Toasting the almonds is essential for their nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Watch them closely while toasting as they can burn quickly. Toast them until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Toasting enhances their flavor significantly.
4. Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is far superior to bottled juice. It provides a brighter, more vibrant acidity that really elevates the dish. The lemon juice balances the richness of the butter beautifully.
5. Adjust Garlic to Your Preference: Garlic is a key flavor component, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. For a milder garlic flavor, use just one clove. For a more pronounced garlic flavor, use three cloves or even add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter sauce for an extra boost.
6. Experiment with Brown Butter: For an even richer, nuttier flavor, consider making brown butter (beurre noisette) instead of simply melting butter. Cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a light brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Brown butter adds a layer of complexity to the Almondine.
7. Add a Touch of Herbs: While classic Almondine is simple, you can enhance it with herbs. Fresh thyme or chopped parsley are excellent additions. Stir them into the butter sauce or sprinkle them over the finished dish for added freshness and aroma.
8. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, make the butter sauce and toss everything together. This can save you time when you’re preparing a larger meal. However, for the best texture, it’s best to assemble and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Almondine (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making Green Bean Almondine, to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Q1: Can I use frozen green beans for Green Bean Almondine?
A: While fresh green beans are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. However, they tend to be softer and may not hold their shape as well as fresh. If using frozen, do not thaw them before blanching; blanch them directly from frozen but reduce the blanching time by a minute or two and ensure they are thoroughly drained afterwards.

Q2: Can I make Green Bean Almondine ahead of time?
A: For the best results, Green Bean Almondine is best served immediately after preparation. However, you can prep some components ahead of time. You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds a few hours in advance and store them separately. The butter sauce is best made just before serving. Assembling the entire dish too far in advance can result in soggy green beans and softened almonds.

Q3: Can I use different types of nuts instead of almonds?
A: While almonds are traditional for Almondine, you can experiment with other nuts for variations in flavor and texture. Slivered almonds, pine nuts, hazelnuts, or even pecans can be toasted and used. Each nut will offer a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.

Q4: Is Green Bean Almondine vegan or vegetarian?
A: Traditional Green Bean Almondine is vegetarian but not vegan because it contains butter. To make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter alternative or olive oil. Olive oil will impart a slightly different flavor profile but can still be delicious.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to Green Bean Almondine?
A: While Green Bean Almondine is traditionally made with only green beans, you can certainly add other vegetables to create a more complex side dish. Consider adding roasted shallots, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers. Ensure any added vegetables are cooked appropriately to complement the green beans.

Q6: How long does leftover Green Bean Almondine last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Green Bean Almondine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the texture will change; the green beans may become softer and the almonds will lose some of their crispness. Reheating is best done gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave.

Q7: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you will need to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly. Start with less added salt (or omit it entirely) and taste the dish before adding more salt. Unsalted butter is generally preferred in recipes as it gives you more control over the final saltiness.

Q8: What are the best green beans to use for Green Bean Almondine?
A: French green beans (Haricot Vert) are considered the best choice for Green Bean Almondine due to their slender, tender texture and delicate flavor. However, fresh, crisp regular green beans also work well. Avoid using canned green beans as they will be too soft and lack the desired texture for this dish. Choose fresh, firm green beans for the best results.

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