Green Beans Almondine Recipe

If you love vibrant, crisp green beans with a delicate crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor, you are going to adore this Green Beans Almondine Recipe. It’s a classic dish that transforms simple green beans into something elegant and irresistible with the addition of golden toasted almonds, garlic-infused butter, and a touch of seasoning. Not only does it bring a beautiful contrast of textures, but it also bursts with flavor that will make this your go-to side for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on just a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the plate. From the crisp snap of fresh green beans to the fragrant, toasted almonds and rich butter, every component plays a starring role in creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

• Green beans: Fresh and trimmed for that perfect snap and vibrant color which is the heart of the dish.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beans and seasons the cooking water perfectly.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted until golden to add a delightful crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps carry the toasted almond and garlic flavors evenly through the beans.
• Garlic cloves: Minced and mashed into a paste to beautifully infuse the butter with a warm, savory aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Added at the end to perfect the seasoning just to your liking.

How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt in the water seasons the green beans from within and helps preserve their bright green color during cooking. Add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in that beautiful vibrant hue.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

While the green beans chill, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Stir frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the almonds turn a lovely golden brown and give off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them! Toasting the almonds awakens their natural flavors and adds that essential crunch that makes this recipe so special.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced and mashed garlic paste to the butter. Cook gently for about a minute until fragrant – you want to coax out the garlic’s aroma without browning it, so stir constantly to prevent burning. This buttery garlic infusion will coat the green beans perfectly.

Step 4: Combine and Sauté

Drain the green beans from the ice water and add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat each bean with the luscious butter and garlic. Then sprinkle in the toasted almonds, season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue sautéing for 1 to 2 more minutes. This step melds all the flavors together beautifully, warming the almonds and beans through without losing their texture.

How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Garnishes

For a fresh and bright finish, consider sprinkling a little fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice over the green beans just before serving. A few sprigs of fresh parsley can also add a lovely pop of color and subtly fresh flavor that lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs wonderfully with a wide range of mains – think roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty steak. It also complements starchy sides like buttery mashed potatoes or wild rice, making for a well-rounded and elegant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation when entertaining, serve the beans on a large platter and sprinkle the toasted almonds generously on top. You could also add thinly sliced shallots that have been lightly caramelized for an extra layer of sweetness and complexity. Or try wrapping the green beans in parchment paper with a dab of butter and almonds and baking briefly to infuse flavors further and create a stunning individual serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beans will stay crisp and flavorful, but the almonds may soften a bit, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh when possible.

Freezing

This recipe does not freeze well because the almonds and green beans can lose their texture. To keep it delicious, it’s best to prepare and eat it fresh or use leftovers refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the green beans in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter to refresh their flavor and avoid drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause the beans to become soggy and the almonds to lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans are best for their snap and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen green beans if fresh are not available. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before blanching to prevent extra moisture in the dish.

What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?

Pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs can be great alternatives to almonds, providing a nice crunch without nuts. Adjust the toasting time according to what you use to ensure they are perfectly crisp.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or olive oil to keep the dish rich and flavorful while making it vegan-friendly.

How do I get garlic paste without a garlic press?

If you don’t have a garlic press, finely mince the garlic cloves and then sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over them before using the flat side of a knife blade to mash the garlic into a smooth paste on your cutting board.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Green Beans Almondine Recipe shines best as a simple green bean dish but feel free to add blanched asparagus tips or thinly sliced carrots for extra color and texture variety. Just adjust blanching times so everything is tender-crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat. It takes basic ingredients and turns them into a rich, satisfying side that elevates any meal effortlessly. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, bringing warmth and crunch to the table every time.

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