Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Introduction

Green Beans Almondine is a classic French-inspired side dish featuring tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon. It’s quick to prepare and brings a delightful crunch and bright flavor to your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (or slivered almonds)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound green beans (rinsed and trimmed)
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan with a lid. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add one tablespoon of olive oil, then add the green beans, water, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover the skillet and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are bright green and tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and continue cooking until the water has evaporated.
5. Step 5: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the toasted almonds back into the skillet, toss gently, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and avoid bottled lemon juice, which can taste dull.
• For a nuttier taste, try using slivered almonds instead of sliced almonds.
• To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.
• Make it vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.

Storage

Store leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the beans moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure they are thawed or rinsed to reduce excess water before cooking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While you can toast the almonds and trim the green beans ahead, it’s best to cook the beans just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.

Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

This classic Green Beans Almondine recipe features tender green beans sautéed with toasted almonds, garlic, and a hint of lemon. It’s a simple, elegant side dish with a perfect balance of buttery richness and bright, fresh flavors, ideal for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Almonds

• ½ cup sliced almonds (or slivered almonds)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting almonds)

Green Beans

• 1 pound green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh preferred
• 1 to 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (remaining amount for sautéing garlic)

Instructions

1. Toast almonds. Melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the sliced almonds and stir frequently, toasting them until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside to prevent burning.
2. Prepare skillet for green beans. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel to remove any burnt residues. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet to provide a light base for cooking the green beans.
3. Add green beans and seasonings. Place the rinsed and trimmed green beans into the skillet. Add ⅓ cup of water, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together to coat the green beans evenly.
4. Cook green beans with lid on. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans cook over medium heat for 7 to 9 minutes. Occasionally stir to ensure even cooking. The green beans should turn bright green and become tender but still crisp.
5. Remove lid and evaporate water. Take off the lid and continue to cook the green beans until the remaining water fully evaporates. This helps to slightly sauté and concentrate flavors.
6. Add garlic and butter. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter along with the 1 to 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic with the green beans for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
7. Combine toasted almonds and serve. Mix the toasted almonds back into the skillet with the green beans. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Green Beans Almondine hot as a flavorful and elegant side dish.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
• Be careful not to burn the almonds while toasting; stir frequently and remove once golden.
• Green beans should be tender but retain a slight snap for the best texture.
• You can substitute slivered almonds with sliced or chopped almonds depending on preference.
• For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and increase garlic or add toasted breadcrumbs.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or fish.

Keywords: Green Beans Almondine, sautéed green beans, toasted almonds, garlic green beans, easy vegetable side, French side dish