Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish that showcases the vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture of fresh green beans. This easy recipe features simple ingredients like sliced almonds, butter, and lemon juice, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side.
The dish is prepared by blanching green beans and then sautéing them with toasted almonds, garlic, and shallots, resulting in a flavorful combination that is sure to impress. With a cook time of just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious addition to any meal.
Overview of Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is a delightful French classic that brings a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This dish features fresh green beans, which are blanched to achieve a tender-crisp texture, then sautéed with sliced almonds, garlic, and shallots.
The combination of crunchy toasted almonds and the brightness of lemon juice creates a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with various main courses. With a quick cook time of just 15 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a holiday side.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of Green Beans Almondine lies in its simple ingredients. Fresh green beans are the star, providing a vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch. Sliced almonds add a nutty flavor and a delightful texture, while minced garlic and shallots contribute aromatic depth.
Butter and olive oil are used to sauté the ingredients, enhancing the overall richness of the dish. A drizzle of lemon juice and zest at the end brightens the flavors, making each bite refreshing. Seasoning with salt and black pepper ensures that all the flavors come together harmoniously.
Preparation Steps
To prepare this dish, start by blanching the green beans.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the trimmed green beans. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, pat them dry to ensure they sauté well.
Next, toast the almond slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and olive oil, then add the almonds, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the rich, nutty flavor that complements the green beans.
Sautéing for Flavor
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This aromatic base infuses the dish with a savory depth that enhances the green beans.
Once the aromatics are ready, add the blanched green beans to the skillet.
Toss to coat them with the garlic and shallots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. This step allows the green beans to absorb the flavors while maintaining their vibrant color and crunchy texture.
Finishing Touches
To finish the dish, drizzle the sautéed green beans with lemon juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, ensuring that the flavors are balanced. Stir in the toasted almonds, allowing them to mingle with the green beans and aromatics.
Finally, transfer the green beans to a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s freshness. Serve warm, and watch as your guests enjoy this elegant yet simple vegetable side.
Serving Suggestions
Green Beans Almondine is a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a hearty vegetarian entrée. The vibrant colors and textures make it an appealing addition to any table setting, especially during festive occasions.
Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Its quick preparation and delightful flavors make it a go-to recipe for any home cook looking to elevate their meal with minimal effort.
Easy Green Beans Almondine Recipe
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Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Beans Almondine recipe features fresh green beans that are blanched and then sautéed with toasted almond slices, garlic, and shallots. The dish is finished with a drizzle of lemon juice and zest, creating a refreshing flavor profile. It serves as a delightful vegetable side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish, such as flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, pat dry.
- Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced almonds and toast until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic and shallots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Finish the Dish: Drizzle the sautéed green beans with lemon juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in the toasted almonds.
- Serve: Transfer the green beans to a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 4
This recipe is part of my 35 Delicious Easter Side Dishes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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