Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic, elegant side dish featuring tender blanched green beans tossed with toasted sliced almonds, sautéed shallots, garlic, and a bright finish of fresh lemon juice. This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights the crispness of haricot verts and the nutty richness of almonds, making it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 12 ounces green beans (preferably haricot verts, trimmed)
Almondine Topping
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Sauté Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for seasoning)
- 1 garlic clove (grated)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare a large bowl of ice water. Add the green beans and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to the ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and dry on a towel.
- Toast Almonds: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds to the dry skillet and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat if necessary, then add the sliced shallots and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Sauté Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with shallots. Sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until the beans are warmed through and tender but still crisp.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated garlic and fresh lemon juice, tossing to combine. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the green beans mixture to a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is a timeless way to prepare green beans, combining crisp-tender texture with rich nutty flavors.
- Toasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their crunch and aroma.
- Using fresh lemon juice adds a bright, fresh contrast to the savory ingredients, lifting the dish.
- Haricot verts are preferred for a more delicate texture and flavor, but any green beans can be used.
- Ensure not to overcook the green beans so they remain crisp and vibrant green.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
