Green Bean Almondine Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Side Dish

Green Bean Almondine is a classic French side dish that combines tender green beans with the delightful crunch of toasted almonds, fragrant garlic, and the refreshing zest of lemon. This dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile side dish for any meal. Whether you’re looking to add something fresh and flavorful to a weeknight dinner or preparing a festive spread for a special occasion, Green Bean Almondine is sure to impress your guests and elevate your meal.

What is Green Bean Almondine?

Green Bean Almondine, also known as Haricots Verts Amandine, is a French dish made from fresh green beans, toasted almonds, butter, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice. The green beans are typically blanched to a crisp-tender perfection, while the almonds are sautéed in butter until golden brown and fragrant. The garlic adds a savory depth, while the lemon juice brings a bright and zesty finish. This dish is easy to make, yet so sophisticated, making it the perfect addition to any table.

The almondine name comes from the French word “amande,” meaning almonds, and this dish is characterized by the combination of almonds with vegetables, especially green beans. The slightly nutty flavor of the almonds pairs perfectly with the crisp texture of the green beans, creating a delightful contrast that is loved by many.

The Perfect Pairing: Why Green Bean Almondine Works Well with So Many Dishes

One of the reasons Green Bean Almondine is so popular is because it’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a light fish fillet, this dish complements them all. The richness of the butter and toasted almonds balances the lighter flavors of grilled meats, while the acidity from the lemon provides a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.

Additionally, Green Bean Almondine is often served as a side for holiday meals and special occasions, as it brings an elegant touch to the dinner table. It’s a perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners, where it adds color, freshness, and a delicious flavor.

Benefits of Green Beans: A Healthy Choice

In addition to being absolutely delicious, green beans are also a healthy vegetable choice. They are packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. Green beans are also a great source of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support a healthy immune system.

Green beans are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and supports healthy weight management. When combined with almonds, which provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein, this dish becomes a balanced and nutritious option for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables and healthy fats into their diet.

The Ingredients You Need for Green Bean Almondine

To make this simple yet elegant side dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed: Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor. You can also use haricots verts, the thinner, more delicate French variety of green beans, if available.
• 2 tablespoons butter: This is essential for sautéing the garlic and almonds, giving the dish its rich, savory flavor.
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the green beans.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth and fragrance to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and almonds.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish (optional): These garnishes add a pop of color and extra flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Green Bean Almondine

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s a simple guide to prepare this delightful side dish:

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. You don’t want to overcook them, as they should maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Once cooked, drain the green beans and set them aside.
2. Toast the Almonds:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the sliced almonds to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as almonds can toast quickly.
3. Add Garlic:
   Once the almonds are toasted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step infuses the butter and almonds with the savory aroma of garlic.
4. Combine the Green Beans and Almonds:
   Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the garlic and almonds. Toss the beans to coat them evenly with the almond-butter mixture. The heat from the skillet will help the flavors meld together.
5. Season with Lemon Juice, Salt, and Pepper:
   Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans and toss again. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice adds brightness and a touch of acidity, which helps cut through the richness of the butter and toasted almonds.
6. Serve:
   Serve the green beans immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. The garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips for the Best Green Bean Almondine

• Use fresh green beans: Fresh, firm green beans will give the dish a crisp texture that’s essential to the overall experience. Avoid using canned green beans as they will not provide the same flavor and texture.
• Toast the almonds just right: Keep a close eye on the almonds as they toast in the skillet. They can burn quickly, and you want them to be golden brown and fragrant, not overly dark.
• Customize the seasoning: If you prefer a little more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the green beans while tossing them in the skillet.

Pairing Green Bean Almondine with Other Dishes

Green Bean Almondine is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Grilled chicken: The subtle richness of the buttered green beans pairs well with grilled chicken, whether it’s lemon herb grilled chicken or spicy grilled chicken.
• Salmon: The light, flaky texture of salmon is complemented by the crunchy green beans and the refreshing lemon notes.
• Roast beef: A rich, flavorful roast beef or roast pork will pair wonderfully with the bright, crisp flavors of the green beans.
• Steak: The savory and nutty flavors of Green Bean Almondine elevate a simple steak dinner. Serve it with a juicy, grilled steak for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Green Bean Almondine in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Green Bean Almondine ahead of time. To do so, blanch the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, sauté the almonds, garlic, and green beans together. Add the lemon juice just before serving for the freshest flavor.

2. Can I use frozen green beans for Green Bean Almondine?
While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess moisture before cooking.

3. Can I substitute the almonds with another nut?
Yes! If you prefer a different type of nut, you can substitute sliced almonds with walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Each will add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

4. How do I store leftovers?
To store leftover Green Bean Almondine, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Green Bean Almondine is a classic side dish that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. The balance of tender green beans, toasted almonds, fragrant garlic, and tangy lemon juice makes it a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or just looking for a healthy side dish, Green Bean Almondine will elevate your table with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. Try it out today and experience the magic of this delicious, simple side dish!

Print