Green Bean Almondine is a bright and tasty side dish that’s super easy to make! Fresh green beans are cooked until tender and then tossed with crunchy almonds and a bit of butter.
This dish adds a splash of color to your table and is perfect for special occasions or just a normal dinner. I love how quick it is to whip up—who knew healthy could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for this dish. If they’re not available, try using frozen green beans—just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for flavor control. You could substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add crunch. If you don’t have sliced almonds, try chopped walnuts or pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different flavor.
Shallots: These add a mild onion flavor. If you can’t find them, use a small yellow onion or even garlic for a bolder taste, but adjust the quantity accordingly.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the dish. You can also use lime juice or vinegar as an alternative if you want a different acidity.
How Do You Blanch Green Beans Perfectly?
Blanching is essential for maintaining the green beans’ vibrant color and crispiness. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances flavor and helps the color.
- Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green but still firm, also known as “crisp-tender.”
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops cooking and locks in that bright color.
- Finally, drain the beans and pat them dry before cooking them further in the skillet.
This technique makes all the difference in keeping your green beans looking and tasting fresh!
How to Make Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping and blanching the green beans and another 10 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and tasty side dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fresh green beans and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. This means they should be cooked but still have a little bite to them!
2. Cool Down the Beans:
After blanching, drain the green beans and immediately place them in a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps the beans stay bright green. After a minute or so in the ice water, drain them again and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Toast the Almonds:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the sliced almonds. Stir them frequently for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and smell wonderful. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Sauté the Shallots:
Next, add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet with the almonds. Sauté them together until the shallot turns soft and translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. This will add a lovely flavor to your dish!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the beans with the butter, almonds, and shallots. This is where the magic happens!
6. Season and Finish Cooking:
Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in the lemon juice. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are warmed through and well seasoned.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, transfer your delicious green bean almondine to a serving dish. If you’d like, garnish with lemon slices for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy this delightful side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before blanching to achieve the best texture.
What If I Can’t Find Shallots?
No problem! You can substitute a small yellow onion or even a clove of garlic. Just adjust the quantity slightly, as garlic can be stronger in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of green bean almondine!