Green Beans Almondine is a timeless dish that brings elegance and simplicity to your table in just 20 minutes. Crisp-tender green beans are perfectly complemented by the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. The buttery sauce, brightened with a hint of lemon, adds a rich yet refreshing flavor that’s sure to impress. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a vibrant, wholesome side that pairs beautifully with any main course. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
With its effortless preparation and stunning presentation, Green Beans Almondine is a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions. The tender beans, golden almonds, and zesty sauce come together in a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated. In just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a foolproof way to elevate your meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients
- 12 ounces green beans (preferably haricot verts, trimmed for even cooking)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or substitute with butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced (or use ¼ cup finely chopped onion as a substitute)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, grated (or use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste for brightness)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water nearby. Add the green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a towel.
- Toast the almonds: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds to the dry skillet and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the shallot: Add the olive oil to the skillet (reduce heat if needed). Add the shallot and ½ teaspoon sea salt, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened.
- Cook the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes, until warmed through and tender but still crisp.
- Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grated garlic and lemon juice, tossing to combine. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and top with the toasted almonds. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Green Beans Almondine is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a herb-crusted pork tenderloin for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, pair it with quinoa pilaf or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Quick Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté the green beans in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the almonds and green beans.
Easy Recipe Variations
Switch up the flavors by adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture. For a nut-free version, substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or toasted sesame seeds. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prep the green beans and shallot the night before and store them in the fridge. You can also toast the almonds in advance and keep them in an airtight container. If you’re in a rush, skip the blanching step and simply sauté the green beans for an extra 2-3 minutes until tender.
Essential Equipment Guidance
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, as it ensures even heat distribution for toasting almonds and sautéing green beans. If you don’t have one, a nonstick skillet works too. A microplane grater is perfect for finely grating the garlic, and a spider strainer makes blanching and draining the green beans a breeze.
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 12 ounces green beans, preferably haricot verts, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a large bowl of ice water nearby. Drop the green beans into the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain, and immediately immerse in the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain, and transfer to a towel to dry.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds to the dry skillet and toast until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Add the oil to the pan (turn down the heat down if necessary), then add the shallot and the salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the green beans and sauté, 2 to 4 more minutes, until the green beans are warmed through and tender. Remove the pan from the heat, add the garlic and lemon juice and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the almonds and serve.