Green Beans Almondine: A Classic Side Dish with a Crunchy Twist

Green Beans Almondine is a timeless side dish that brings a touch of French elegance to any meal. The combination of tender, crisp green beans with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon makes it a perfect companion to roast chicken, grilled fish, or even a holiday turkey. This dish is not only delicious but incredibly simple to prepare, making it a staple for home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love Green Beans Almondine

If you're looking for a quick yet impressive side dish, Green Beans Almondine is the answer. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your kitchen – green beans, almonds, butter, and lemon.
• Quick to Prepare: In under 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality side dish on the table.
• Versatile: This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and can be adapted to suit dietary preferences.
• Healthy: Green beans are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while almonds provide healthy fats and protein.

What is Green Beans Almondine?

Green Beans Almondine is a classic French recipe that features blanched or steamed green beans tossed in browned butter with toasted almond slivers. The almonds add a delightful crunch to the dish, while the butter and lemon juice elevate the flavor profile to something truly special. It’s a simple, elegant side dish that has stood the test of time in French cuisine.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have slivered almonds on hand, you can easily substitute them with sliced almonds or even chopped walnuts for a different flavor and texture. If you're dairy-free, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead of butter. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of richness, though it’s not traditionally part of the dish.

How to Make Green Beans Almondine

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their bright color.
2. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Brown Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam and turn a light golden brown. Add the minced garlic if using, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the Green Beans: Drain the green beans from the ice water and add them to the skillet with the browned butter. Toss to coat the beans evenly with the butter and garlic mixture.
5. Finish and Serve: Add the toasted almonds back into the skillet and gently toss everything together. Serve the green beans almondine hot, garnished with a little extra lemon zest if desired.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Here are a few suggestions:

• Roast Chicken: The buttery crunch of the almonds complements a juicy roast chicken perfectly.
• Grilled Salmon: Green Beans Almondine adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of grilled salmon.
• Holiday Feasts: Serve this dish alongside your holiday turkey or ham for a side that everyone will love.

Storage and Reheating

Green Beans Almondine is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beans in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the green beans soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh ones will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Green Beans Almondine is best served fresh, but you can blanch the green beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Toast the almonds and prepare the browned butter just before serving for the best results.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't include any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

Green Beans Almondine is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a quick side dish to accompany your weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of fresh green beans, crunchy almonds, and rich, browned butter is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, healthy, and easy to make.

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