Green Bean Almondine

5 from 1 vote

Green Bean Almondine

This Green Bean Almondine is a classic, easy-to-make side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Fresh green beans are blanched to keep them crisp and vibrant, then tossed in a delightful mix of golden, toasted almonds, rich, melted butter, and a hint of garlic and lemon for a burst of freshness.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: French

Keyword: green bean almondine, green beans recipe

Servings:

Calories: 217kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set 2

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
½ cup almonds sliced or slivered
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
zest of 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice or more to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until they're tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice water bath to stop the cooking. This is the blanching process, and it keeps your green beans looking like emerald jewels!
In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently, until they're golden brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the almonds and set them aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic-lemon butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they're heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans and toss once more. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Add the toasted almonds back into the skillet and give everything a good mix. If you're feeling extra, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
This dish is best served immediately.

Notes

Blanching is Key: Blanching the green beans first makes them bright green and crisp-tender. Don’t skip the ice water bath after boiling, as it stops the cooking process immediately.
Almond Options: You can use either sliced or slivered almonds. Toasting them in a skillet until golden brown brings out their nutty flavor, but keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Butter and Garlic: Cook the garlic just until it's fragrant to avoid burning. The butter should be melted over medium heat – it adds a rich, silky coating to the beans.
Lemon Zest and Juice: The zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma, while the juice brings a tangy flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste.
Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can blanch the green beans ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the skillet when ready to serve.

Nutrition