There’s something truly magical about Green Beans Almondine. This French-inspired classic takes the humble green bean and elevates it with the richness of butter, the crunch of toasted almonds, and a bright pop of lemon. The result is a side dish that’s not only gorgeous on the table but absolutely full of flavor. If you’re looking to impress guests or simply add a little elegance to your weeknight dinner, Green Beans Almondine delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with just a small handful of ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s texture, freshness, or that signature buttery flavor. Don’t skip any—the real magic happens when they come together!
- Fresh green beans: Crisp and vibrant, these are the star of the show. Use haricots verts for an extra-tender bite.
- Unsalted butter: Rich and silky, butter is essential for that classic French sauté flavor.
- Sliced almonds: Toasted in butter, these add irresistible crunch and nutty aroma.
- Shallot: Provides a mellow, slightly sweet onion flavor that melds beautifully with the beans and almonds.
- Garlic: Just a touch gives a wonderful savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with freshness and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: The finishing touches for balanced, seasoned perfection.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your trimmed green beans and cook them just 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re vibrantly green and still have a little snap. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water; this little trick keeps their beautiful color and stops the cooking process in its tracks. Once they’re cool, drain and gently pat them dry so they don’t bring extra water into the skillet.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Next, set a large skillet over medium heat and melt your butter. Once it’s shimmering, toss in those sliced almonds. Stir them frequently—just a couple minutes until they turn golden and smell absolutely incredible. Keep a close eye so they don’t go from toasty to burnt!
Step 3: Sauté Shallot and Garlic
Add the finely minced shallot and garlic right into the skillet with your golden almonds. This is where the kitchen starts to smell irresistible! Cook for another minute or two, just until the shallot softens and the garlic mellows—not too long, or the garlic will turn bitter.
Step 4: Warm the Green Beans
Add your blanched and dried green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat in the buttery almond mixture, letting them heat through for about 2 or 3 minutes. You want them tender, but still a bit crisp—it’s all about that perfect texture!
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Seasoning
With everything mingling nicely, squeeze over the juice of half a lemon. This brightens the dish and makes the flavors pop. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then give everything a final toss. Now all that’s left is to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Green Beans Almondine
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, scatter a few extra toasted almonds right on top before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add some finely grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little details make your Green Beans Almondine restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Green Beans Almondine is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with just about anything. It’s a natural alongside roast chicken or fish, perfect next to a juicy steak, and equally at home on a holiday spread with mashed potatoes and stuffing. You’ll find it complements a huge variety of main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Green Beans Almondine extra memorable, try serving it in a beautiful shallow platter so the almonds and glistening beans can really shine. Or, for an elegant twist, bundle a few beans with chives for individual servings. Arrange them on the plate just before guests arrive—you’ll get all the oohs and ahhs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Green Beans Almondine will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The beans and almonds hold up surprisingly well, though the almonds may soften a bit over time.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze this dish, I recommend enjoying it fresh if possible. Freezing can dull the colors and texture of the beans and soften the almonds. If you must freeze, cool everything fully and use a freezer-safe bag for up to two months; reheat gently to minimize changes.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny knob of butter, just until heated through. This keeps the texture pleasant and helps restore those infused flavors. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop is your friend here.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for Green Beans Almondine?
You can, but for the best texture and flavor, fresh green beans or haricots verts are ideal. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before starting the recipe.
What’s the difference between haricots verts and regular green beans?
Haricots verts are a slimmer, more delicate French variety of green beans. They cook more quickly and have a slightly sweeter, more tender bite, which makes them perfect for Green Beans Almondine.
Can I make Green Beans Almondine vegan?
Absolutely. Simply swap the butter for your favorite vegan butter or a mild olive oil. The dish will still have that gorgeous flavor and texture, with just a subtle difference.
How far in advance can I prep this dish?
You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep the elements separate in the fridge, then finish the sauté and assemble just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is Green Beans Almondine gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a great side dish choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side that’s as easy as it is elegant, Green Beans Almondine is sure to win you over. With its crisp-tender beans, buttery almonds, and splash of lemon, this recipe is a joyful addition to any table. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to green bean dish!
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Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the classic French side dish of Green Beans Almondine made with fresh green beans, toasted almonds, and a savory buttery sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the green beans for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and shock in ice water.
- Sauté Almonds and Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter. Add almonds, shallot, and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Combine and Season: Add blanched green beans to the skillet. Cook until heated through. Squeeze lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Transfer to a dish, top with more almonds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Try using haricots verts for a delicate twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
