Green Bean Almondine is a bright and crunchy side dish that features fresh green beans topped with toasted almonds. It’s a simple joy on any dinner plate!
I love how the nutty flavor of the almonds pairs perfectly with the crisp green beans. It’s an easy way to make veggies the star of the meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a little crunch? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here. Look for vibrant green color and firm texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans work well, but they may need slightly less cooking time.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Shallots: Shallots add a mild, sweet flavor, but you can substitute with finely chopped onion or scallions in a pinch. If you prefer a flavorless option, garlic will also work!
Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are tasty alternatives. Toast these for added flavor!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is always tastier. Lime juice can also be a refreshing substitute.
How Do I Cook Green Beans Perfectly?
Cooking green beans might seem simple, but there is a key technique: blanching. Proper blanching keeps them bright green and crunchy!
- Boil salted water – this helps flavor the beans.
- Cook the beans for 3-4 minutes, just until they are crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer the beans to an ice water bath to stop cooking. This step ensures they maintain that vibrant color!
By incorporating this technique, your green beans will look and taste amazing in the dish! Enjoy making this delightful side! 🌟
Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delightful side dish in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and a bright green color. You want them cooked, but still crunchy!
2. Cool Them Down:
After cooking, drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps keep their vibrant color. Once they are cool, drain the beans again and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Shallots:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and become translucent. This will add a lovely aroma to your dish!
4. Toast the Almonds:
Add the sliced almonds to the skillet with the shallots. Cook while stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant, but be careful not to let them burn!
5. Combine Everything:
If there’s too much butter in the skillet, feel free to drain a little. Then, add the green beans back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the buttery mixture. Warm them through for about 2 minutes.
6. Finish It Off:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This enhances the flavors beautifully!
7. Serve It Up:
Transfer the delicious green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately. Enjoy your bright and crunchy Green Bean Almondine!
Bon appétit! 🌟 This classic French-inspired side dish brings a lovely touch to any meal with its balance of buttery richness, fresh lemon, and crunchy almonds!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but it’s best to thaw them first before cooking. To thaw, simply place them in a colander and run under cold water for a few minutes, or microwave them briefly until thawed. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
What Can I Substitute for Shallots?
If you don’t have shallots on hand, you can substitute them with finely chopped onion or leeks. Both will provide a similar flavor, though onion may be a bit stronger. Use about half the amount if it’s a strong onion variety.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or butter to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will maintain the same great texture!
