Green Bean Almondine is a classic and elegant side dish that’s both simple to prepare and full of flavor. With crisp-tender green beans, toasted almonds, and a touch of butter, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the fresh green beans, while the butter provides richness without overpowering the dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday spread, Green Bean Almondine is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Not only is Green Bean Almondine delicious, but it’s also a nutritious choice. Green beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and several essential minerals. They’re low in calories but high in antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet. The almonds provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which support heart health, along with protein and vitamin E. Together, these ingredients make for a side dish that’s as good for you as it is tasty.
This dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. The prep time is minimal—just a few minutes to trim the beans and chop the almonds—while the cook time is only around 10-15 minutes. The combination of sautéing the green beans with butter and almonds ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether paired with roasted meats, fish, or a vegetarian meal, Green Bean Almondine adds a touch of sophistication to any plate.
The prep time for Green Bean Almondine is just 10 minutes, so it’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight or a last-minute side dish. The cook time is approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the green beans to become perfectly tender while the almonds toast to a golden brown. This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for family dinners, dinner parties, or even holiday meals. The light, buttery sauce and crunchy almonds will make this dish an instant hit at your table.
Each serving of Green Bean Almondine contains approximately 150-180 calories, depending on portion size, making it a light yet satisfying side dish. You can serve it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a simple pasta dish for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just enjoying a casual dinner, Green Bean Almondine will elevate your meal with its fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water. You can also blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water to preserve their bright color, but this step is optional.
- Toast the almonds: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Cook the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet with the almonds. Sauté the beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crisp.
- Add garlic (optional): If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Season and serve: Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. Serve immediately.
Possible Swaps:
- Nuts: If you don’t have almonds or want a different flavor, try swapping them for pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
- Garlic: For a more subtle flavor, omit the garlic or swap it for shallots for a gentler onion flavor.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Almondine:
- Don’t overcook the beans: For the best texture, cook the green beans until they’re crisp-tender, with a slight crunch left. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Toast the almonds carefully: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor, but they can burn quickly, so be sure to watch them closely as they brown.
- Use fresh green beans: Fresh green beans will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before cooking.
How to Store:
- Storing: Leftover Green Bean Almondine can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the green beans in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil, or microwave them for a quick reheating option.
- Freezing: Green beans don’t freeze well after being cooked in this dish, as the texture may change. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Green Bean Almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that brings vibrant color and flavor to any meal. The freshness of the green beans, the richness of the butter, and the crunch of the toasted almonds make it an irresistible addition to any dinner table. Whether for a family meal or a holiday celebration, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water. You can also blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water to preserve their bright color, but this step is optional.
- Toast the almonds: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Cook the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet with the almonds. Sauté the beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crisp.
- Add garlic (optional): If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Season and serve: Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. Serve immediately.