Green Beans Almondine Recipe

You’re in for a treat with this deliciously simple and flavorful Green Beans Almondine recipe. These vibrant green beans are perfectly cooked and tossed with crunchy almonds, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. With just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll have a side dish that is quick to make but will impress even the toughest food critics. So grab your apron and get ready to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible Green Beans Almondine recipe.

Ingredients

Green beans

Green beans are the star ingredient of the classic almondine recipe. They are crisp, vibrant, and full of flavor. Not only do green beans add a beautiful pop of color to the dish, but they also provide a satisfying crunch. Be sure to choose fresh green beans that are firm and bright green in color.

Butter

Butter is the key to creating a rich and delicious almondine sauce. It adds a creamy and velvety texture to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the green beans and almonds. Opt for unsalted butter to have more control over the saltiness of the dish.

Slivered almonds

Slivered almonds are the perfect addition to this dish, providing a lovely nutty and crunchy element. Toasting the almonds before adding them to the recipe brings out their natural flavors and adds a beautiful depth to the dish. If you prefer a different type of nut, feel free to substitute it according to your taste preferences.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice brightens up the flavors in this almondine recipe, adding a refreshing and tangy taste. It balances the richness of the butter and adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.

Garlic

Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse that brings depth and complexity to the dish. It infuses the almondine sauce with its wonderful flavor, complementing the green beans and almonds perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal preference.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Remember to season the green beans and almondine sauce to taste, adding more if needed. Be careful not to oversalt the dish, as the other ingredients already provide plenty of flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the green beans

Start by rinsing the green beans under cold water and trimming the ends. If desired, remove the stringy part of the beans by gently pulling it off. This step is optional but can help improve the texture of the dish.

Blanch the green beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should still have a crisp bite. Drain the green beans and transfer them to an ice bath to immediately stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color.

Toast the almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds. Toast them for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from toasted to burnt.

Cook the green beans

In the same skillet used to toast the almonds, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the almondine sauce

In a small saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the toasted slivered almonds, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine all the ingredients

Once the almondine sauce has simmered, combine it with the cooked green beans. Gently toss the green beans in the sauce, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

Sauté the green beans with the sauce

Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat and sauté the green beans with the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the green beans beautifully.

Serve and enjoy

Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish and garnish with additional slivered almonds, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the green beans are still crisp and the flavors are at their peak. Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, and savor every delicious bite.

Tips and Variations

Add bacon or pancetta

For an indulgent twist, consider adding crispy bacon or pancetta to the recipe. Cook them separately until crisp, then crumble or chop them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the cooked green beans almondine.

Use different nuts

While slivered almonds are the traditional choice for almondine recipes, feel free to experiment with other nuts if you prefer. Toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or roasted cashews can all be excellent substitutes and add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Add Parmesan cheese

For a touch of savory goodness, add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the almondine sauce. The nutty and salty flavors of the cheese will beautifully complement the green beans and almonds, adding an extra layer of richness.

Add other vegetables

Add variety to your green bean almondine by incorporating other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers can all make wonderful additions, bringing additional color and flavors to the dish.

Substitute lemon juice with balsamic vinegar

If you prefer a deeper, richer flavor profile, swap out the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar. The tangy and slightly sweet notes of balsamic vinegar will add a delightful twist to the dish, creating a more complex and robust flavor profile.

Health Benefits

High in vitamins and minerals

Green beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, which play a crucial role in supporting immune function, blood clotting, and healthy cell production.

Rich in dietary fiber

Green beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber adds bulk to the diet, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation.

Good source of antioxidants

Green beans are rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and lutein. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress in the body, protecting against cell damage and inflammation. Including green beans in your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.

Promotes digestive health

The high fiber content found in green beans aids in digestion and supports a healthy gut. Regular intake of fiber can help regulate bowel movements, prevent digestive issues, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Conclusion

Green beans almondine is a delightful side dish that combines crisp green beans, buttery almondine sauce, and toasted slivered almonds. With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and delicious flavors, it is a versatile dish that can accompany a wide range of main courses. Whether you are preparing a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, green beans almondine is sure to impress. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of green beans while savoring the delightful combination of butter, lemon, garlic, and nuts. So next time you’re looking for a flavorful and wholesome side dish, give this green beans almondine recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed.