The first time I made green beans almondine, I was surprised by how such a simple dish could elevate my dinner table instantly. Picture this: vibrant green beans, their crisp-tender texture contrasting beautifully with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. The moment the garlic and lemon grace the pan, the kitchen transforms into a warm haven of irresistible aromas. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home, this elegant side dish takes mere minutes to prepare yet feels like a true celebration. With its delightful balance of flavors and textures, green beans almondine isn’t just a recipe—it’s a way to indulge in a moment of culinary bliss. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make dish that will steal the spotlight on your holiday table and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why Love Green Beans Almondine So Much?
Simplicity at its finest: This dish is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy cooks.
Elegant presentation: The vibrant green color and crunchy almonds will add a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Versatile pairing: It complements a variety of dishes, whether it’s a fancy roast or a casual pasta night.
Health-conscious: Low in calories and high in vitamins, it’s an ideal side for those seeking nutritious options.
Quick prep and cooking: Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or enjoying a weeknight dinner, this simple recipe will have everyone coming back for more!
Green Beans Almondine Ingredients
For the Green Beans
• Green Beans – Freshness and structure. Consider using haricot verts for a more refined taste.
• Sea Salt – Enhances flavors. Adjust to taste based on dietary needs.
For the Toppings
• Sliced Almonds – Crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightness and acidity that balance the dish. Lime juice can be an alternative.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Spice and flavor enhancement. Adjust based on preference.
For the Cooking
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Richness and moisture. Can substitute with melted butter if preferred.
• Shallot – Mild sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow onion can be used if shallots are unavailable.
• Garlic Clove – Aromatic and savory component. Freshly grated is ideal; use garlic powder as a substitute if needed.
This green beans almondine recipe is a charming addition to any meal!
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes until they are just crisp-tender. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly to remove excess water.
Toast the Almonds: Place a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté Shallots and Green Beans: In the same skillet, add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the blanched green beans and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until heated through and tender but still vibrant.
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the dish to a serving platter and top with the toasted almonds before serving warm.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra bright flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These green beans almondine are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blanch the green beans up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. Additionally, you can toast the almonds ahead of time and store them in an airtight jar at room temperature to keep them crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the blanched green beans with shallots, garlic, and lemon juice for about 2-4 minutes, just until heated through. This way, you save time on busy nights while still enjoying a delightful side dish that feels fresh and elegant!
Storage Tips for Green Beans Almondine
Fridge: Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Although not ideal, you can freeze green beans without the almonds for up to 2 months. Blanch them first, then allow to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a sauté pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to revive texture. Add toasted almonds just before serving for that delightful crunch.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the green beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just sauté and add the remaining ingredients right before serving for a quick and elegant side dish.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine?
Prepare to elevate your dining experience with these delightful pairings, perfect for complementing those vibrant green beans.
- Roasted Chicken: The juicy tenderness of roast chicken pairs beautifully with the crisp-tender green beans, creating a wholesome, balanced plate.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes enriched with garlic provide a comforting, velvety contrast to the crunch of the almonds. A true flavor harmony!
- Grilled Salmon: The rich, buttery flavor of salmon melds exquisitely with the fresh brightness of green beans almondine, adding a touch of elegance.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad with herbs and lemon complements the dish’s nuttiness while offering additional nutrients and delightful textures.
- Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs provides a neutral base, allowing the green beans’ flavors to shine through without overwhelming them.
- Sparkling Wine: A glass of crisp, bubbly wine enhances the meal’s sophistication, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory notes of the beans.
- Lemon Tart: For dessert, a zesty lemon tart ties in with the lemon notes of the dish, leaving a refreshing impression to end the meal on a high note.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, warm garlic bread serves as a perfect accompaniment alongside the green beans, ideal for soaking up flavorful juices.
- Pasta Primavera: Stir-fried seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta provide an additional textural layer, making for a delightful and colorful dining experience.
- Balsamic Glazed Vegetables: Sweet and tangy balsamic-glazed veggies create a flavorful balance that complements the nutty crunch of the almonds in your green beans almondine.
Expert Tips for Green Beans Almondine
Perfect Blanching: Ensure water is salted adequately to season the green beans from the inside. Blanch only for 2 minutes for that crisp-tender bite.
Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep a close eye on almonds while toasting; they can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Stir frequently for even toasting.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest green beans and garlic for the best flavor. Dried garlic powder won’t give you the same punch in your green beans almondine.
Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice while cooking. A little adjustment can elevate the flavor tremendously.
Serving Temperature: Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and warm presentation. If preparing ahead, reheat gently in a pan to avoid overcooking the beans.
Variations & Substitutions for Green Beans Almondine
Feel free to play around with this delightful recipe to create your ideal version, adding your own personal flair!
Nut-Free: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similarly crunchy texture without the nuts. Perfect for allergy-friendly meals.
Vegan: Swap out the butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for sautéing. This keeps it flavorful without any animal products.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during the sautéing step for a pleasant heat that balances the dish’s flavors beautifully.
Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving for an aromatic lift. The herbaceous notes will deepen the dish’s character.
Creamy Twist: Incorporate a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to create a luxuriously creamy version of green beans almondine that’s smooth and rich.
Additional Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a boost in taste. Each vegetable adds a unique flair to your dish!
Citrus Burst: Instead of just lemon juice, try a splash of orange juice or zest for a sweet, tangy twist that enhances the overall flavor profile splendidly.
With these variations, your green beans almondine will always be a delightful surprise on the table!
Green Beans Almondine Recipe FAQs
What type of green beans should I use for green beans almondine?
Fresh green beans are essential for this dish. I recommend using haricot verts for a more refined taste and tender texture. Look for beans that are bright green and firm, avoiding any with dark spots or blemishes.
How should I store leftover green beans almondine?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crunch, reheat gently in a sauté pan with a bit of olive oil just before serving.
Can I freeze green beans almondine?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked green beans (without the almonds) for up to 2 months. Blanch them first, then allow them to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and sauté with the other ingredients.
What if my green beans turn out too soft?
If your green beans are overly soft, it might be due to over-blanching or sautéing. In the future, blanch them for only 2 minutes for that perfect crisp-tender texture. If they still soften too much while sautéing, try adding them to the pan with some water. This might help revive some of their texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for green beans almondine?
Yes! While green beans are naturally low in calories and high in vitamins, be mindful of your guests’ dietary needs. This dish can be gluten-free and vegan if you use olive oil instead of butter. Additionally, ensure that no nuts are served if there are allergy concerns; you can always serve without almonds or substitute with seeds.
What can I do if I don’t have shallots?
If shallots are unavailable, yellow onion is a suitable alternative. Just remember that onions will add a stronger flavor, so you might want to use a slightly smaller amount. You can also sauté them until they’re translucent to soften the flavor before adding the green beans.
Savory Green Beans Almondine with a Zesty Lemon Twist
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Skillet
- - Knife
- - Cutting board
- - Measuring cups
- - Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Green Beans
- 1 pound green beans Consider using haricot verts for a more refined taste.
- to taste sea salt Adjust based on dietary needs.
For the Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds Feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Lime juice can be an alternative.
- to taste freshly ground black pepper Adjust based on preference.
For the Cooking
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Can substitute with melted butter if preferred.
- 1 medium shallot Yellow onion can be used if shallots are unavailable.
- 2 cloves garlic Freshly grated is ideal; use garlic powder as a substitute.
Instructions
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes until they are just crisp-tender. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Place a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same skillet, add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the blanched green beans and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until heated through and tender but still vibrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the dish to a serving platter and top with the toasted almonds before serving warm.