If you’re searching for a dish that combines crisp, tender green beans with the irresistible crunch and nutty flavor of almonds, look no further than this Green Beans Almondine Recipe. This classic recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a vibrant, elegant side that’s bursting with fresh lemon brightness, toasted almond goodness, and garlic-scented butter. It’s a perfect way to elevate everyday green beans and impress guests or family with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crisp green beans to the toasted almonds and bright lemon juice, every item enhances the dish beautifully.
- Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and washed for the freshest crunch and vibrant green color.
- Slivered Almonds: Toasted to bring out their warm, nutty flavor and create delightful texture contrast.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for sautéing and infusing the dish with rich, creamy depth.
- Garlic: Minced to add aromatic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy lift that awakens the palate.
- Salt: Seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors in the recipe.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground to add a subtle spicy kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top as a colorful, fresh garnish.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly and trimming the ends. This simple prep step ensures each bean is clean and ready to soak up all the flavors from the butter and garlic later on.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the green beans. Cook them for just 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp. This quick blanching locks in nutrients and preserves that perfect texture.
Step 3: Shock the Beans
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This “shocking” halts the cooking process, preserves their vibrant color, and keeps them from becoming mushy — a crucial step for restaurant-quality green beans almondine.
Step 4: Toast the Almonds
While the beans chill, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the slivered almonds. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and release their warm, nutty aroma. This step makes all the difference by adding rich crunch.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams lightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, enough to release its fragrance without burning. This garlic butter will coat the beans beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Green Beans
Drain the blanched green beans from the ice water and add them directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with that flavorful butter.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the toasted almonds so they’re perfectly distributed throughout this vibrant side dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Green Beans Almondine to a serving plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of green color and fresh herbal notes. Now it’s ready to impress!
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra toasted almonds on top adds a welcome crunch just before serving. Fresh parsley is not just for looks—it adds a light herbal freshness that balances the richness of the butter and almonds. A thin lemon zest twist can also brighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a juicy steak. It also fits seamlessly alongside holiday classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing, making it a versatile favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the green beans in a neat bundle tied with a ribbon of blanched chive or place them over a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice to add some visual interest. Serving in a bright white or colorful dish makes the vivid green and golden almonds pop effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The green beans will maintain their best texture for up to 3 days, although the almonds may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe because the beans tend to become mushy and the almonds lose their crunch after thawing. Fresh preparation is best for preserving those crisp textures.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the green beans from overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the beans soggy and the almonds lose their crunch. Add a small knob of butter during reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans are ideal for this Green Beans Almondine Recipe due to their crispness and vibrant color, you can use frozen beans in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water making the dish soggy.
What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?
If almonds aren’t an option, try toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor, keeping in mind this will change the classic Almondine profile slightly but still provide great texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can blanch and shock the green beans a few hours before serving and keep them chilled. Toasting almonds ahead is great too. Just sauté the garlic and finish combining everything right before serving for best flavor and texture.
How do I keep the green beans bright green?
The key is blanching the beans in salted boiling water for just a few minutes, then shocking them immediately in ice water to stop the cooking. This locks in the color beautifully every time for your Green Beans Almondine Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Not as written, because it uses butter. However, you can easily make a vegan version by substituting plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly and will still provide a delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans Almondine Recipe is one of those timeless classics that never fails to impress with its fresh, vibrant flavors and delightful textures. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely bursting with warmth and crunch in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try and watch green beans become your new favorite side dish!
Print
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Green Beans Almondine recipe featuring fresh green beans sautéed with toasted slivered almonds, garlic, and butter, finished with a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley. This vibrant side dish is perfect for a nutritious, flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Fresh Green Beans (Trimmed and washed)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- for garnish Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/2 cup Slivered Almonds (Toasted for flavor)
Dairy & Fats
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (For sautéing)
Other
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- to taste Salt (For seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans to remove the ends and ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Shock the Beans: Immediately transfer the cooked green beans into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, helping them retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Toast the Almonds: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the slivered almonds. Toast them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Green Beans: Drain the green beans from the ice water and add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add the toasted almonds to the skillet and toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Ensure the almonds are toasted carefully to avoid burning and to release their nutty aroma.
- Blanching and shocking the green beans helps keep them crisp and brightly colored.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
