Green Beans Almondine is a classic vegetable side dish that pairs tender green beans with toasted almonds, sautéed onions, and a hint of garlic. The buttery sauce and crunchy almonds make this recipe a satisfying addition to any meal. With its crisp, fresh texture and subtle nuttiness, Green Beans Almondine has been a favorite for generations. If you’re looking to elevate your side dish game, try my Parmesan Roasted Asparagus for a savory twist on this versatile veggie.
What Is Green Beans Almondine?
The term “Almondine” (sometimes spelled “Amandine”) refers to dishes garnished with almonds. This culinary technique originated in French cuisine and typically features sliced or slivered almonds toasted to a golden brown. While vegetables like green beans are a popular choice, you’ll also find fish, potatoes, and even pasta prepared almondine-style. The contrast between the soft, blanched green beans and crunchy almonds in this dish creates a delightful texture and flavor balance.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients for Green Beans Almondine, with a few substitution tips:
- Green Beans: Blanching fresh green beans gives them a vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. If you only have frozen green beans, be sure to thaw them first. While blanching isn’t necessary for frozen beans, it’s a good idea to add them to the sauce after it’s been prepared.
- Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds work best for this dish. They toast quickly and add the perfect crunch. Whole almonds will require extra prep, as you’ll need to remove the skins, so save time with pre-sliced almonds if possible.
Blanching Green Beans
Blanching is the secret to perfectly crisp green beans. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil Water: Start with a pot of salted boiling water.
- Cook the Beans: Add the green beans and let them cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re bright green.
- Ice Bath: Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves their color and texture.
Once the beans are ready, you can focus on the rest of the recipe, like sautéing the onions and toasting the almonds in butter. The beans can be added back into the pan to warm up and absorb the flavors.
Storing Green Beans Almondine
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place any cooled Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to serve, simply warm them on the stovetop over medium heat or use the microwave for quick reheating.
Additional Tips
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest when you finish cooking. A little citrus brightens up the dish and pairs beautifully with the buttery almonds. Green Beans Almondine is perfect for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re looking for a quick, elegant side dish!
Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, washed with ends trimmed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- While the water is heating, wash the green beans and trim both ends.
- Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add cold water and plenty of ice to prepare an ice bath.
- When the green beans are done cooking, transfer them immediately to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and sliced almonds to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the almonds are golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Drain the green beans from the ice bath and add them to the skillet. Toss to coat the beans with the butter mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the beans are warmed through.
- Season with kosher salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
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