What is Green Beans Almondine and how is it made?

Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring green beans sautéed with toasted almonds and butter. The almonds are typically sliced or slivered, and the dish often includes shallots, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice for added flavor. The green beans are usually blanched first to retain their bright color and crispness, then tossed with the almond mixture just before serving for a nutty, buttery taste with a slight citrus brightness.

Can I make Green Beans Almondine using frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren't available, but the texture may be softer and less vibrant. To get the best results, thaw and drain frozen beans completely, then quickly sauté them with the almonds and butter. Avoid overcooking to maintain some crispness, and adjust seasoning as frozen beans may hold less flavor than fresh.

How do I blanch green beans for Green Beans Almondine, and why is it important?

Blanching means briefly boiling green beans in salted water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique preserves the beans’ bright green color and crisp texture, which is essential for a balanced dish. Proper blanching also helps the beans hold their shape when sautéed with almonds.

Is it okay to substitute olive oil for butter in Green Beans Almondine?

Substituting olive oil for butter is possible and makes the dish lighter and dairy-free, but the classic rich and nutty flavor comes mainly from butter. If using olive oil, choose a mild, high-quality one, and consider adding a small amount of lemon zest or shallots to compensate for the difference in taste.

Can Green Beans Almondine be made ahead of time and reheated?

Yes, you can prepare green beans ahead by blanching and shocking them in ice water, then refrigerating for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, sauté the almonds and aromatics, add the green beans, and gently reheat. Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. Use a low heat setting or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

Green Beans Almondine Recipe With Toasted Almonds And Butter Sauce

Name: Green Beans Almondine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: – 1 lb (16 oz) French green beans (haricot verts), trimmed; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; – ¼ heaping cup raw sliced almonds; – 2 medium shallots, finely diced; – 2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced; – Zest of one small lemon; – 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; – Salt, to taste; – Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients

– 1 lb (16 oz) French green beans (haricot verts), trimmed

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

– ¼ heaping cup raw sliced almonds

– 2 medium shallots, finely diced

– 2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced

– Zest of one small lemon

– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

– Salt, to taste

– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1-Wash and trim 1 lb of fresh green beans, removing the ends for a clean, crisp base.

2-Blanch the green beans in heavily salted boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.

3-In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and sauté ¼ heaping cup of raw sliced almonds until they’re golden brown, stirring often to prevent burning.

4-Add 2 medium finely diced shallots and 2 medium finely minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking until fragrant and lightly caramelized.

5-Transfer the blanched green beans to the skillet and gently toss them with the almond mixture to coat evenly.

6-Stir in the zest of one small lemon and 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7-Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture; this pairs wonderfully with main dishes like oven-baked chicken legs.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥦 Blanch green beans just until crisp-tender to preserve their vibrant color and texture.
🥄 Use freshly grated lemon zest and juice to add brightness and balance to the dish.
🍴 Toast almonds carefully over medium-low heat to avoid burning and bring out their nutty flavor.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Vegetables
Method: Blanching, Sautéing, Toasting
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving