Green Beans Almondine is like the comfort of a cozy sweater on a chilly autumn day—simple, classic, and somehow perfect every time. I first fell in love with this dish at a friend’s dinner party, where the nutty aroma of toasted almonds mingled with the snap of fresh beans, and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s a side dish that doesn’t demand much yet offers so much, like your favorite book that you can read over and over.
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt further cooking, then drain and dry on a towel.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the almonds. Toast them in the dry skillet for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside.
- Pour the oil into the skillet, adjusting the heat if needed, and sauté the shallot with a pinch of salt for approximately 2 minutes until it softens. Add the blanched green beans and continue to sauté for an additional 2-4 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
- Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the garlic and lemon juice. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, sprinkle with the toasted almonds, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans (preferably French haricots verts)
- Sliced almonds
- 1 shallot
- 1 garlic clove
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
FAQ
- What is Green Beans Almondine?
- Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring green beans topped with sliced almonds. Despite its fancy name, it is easy to prepare and offers a delicious combination of nutty and tender flavors.
- What ingredients are needed for Green Beans Almondine?
- You will need fresh green beans (preferably French haricots verts), sliced almonds, shallot, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
- Can I prepare the green beans in advance?
- Yes, you can blanch the green beans up to a day ahead if you’re planning to serve this dish for a holiday meal. This allows you to save time on the day of your event.
- How are the almonds prepared for this dish?
- The almonds are toasted in a dry skillet until they become fragrant and begin to brown. This method enhances their crisp texture and nutty flavor.
- What are some serving suggestions for Green Beans Almondine?
- Green Beans Almondine can be enjoyed with pasta, risotto, your choice of protein, or as part of a holiday feast. It pairs well with a variety of dishes due to its simple yet flavorful profile.
Tips
- Prep in Advance: To save time on a busy day, blanch the green beans up to a day ahead. This step can streamline your cooking process when you’re ready to finalize the dish.
- Toast Almonds Separately: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet to achieve a perfect crisp texture and nutty flavor. This method enhances their taste compared to sautéing them in butter.
- Balance with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the dish by adding a bright, fresh flavor that complements the green beans and almonds.
- Achieve the Right Texture: After blanching, ensure the green beans are thoroughly dried before sautéing. This step helps achieve a tender yet crisp texture.
Equipment
- Large Pot – for boiling water and blanching the green beans.
- Cast-Iron Skillet – for toasting the almonds and sautéing the shallot and green beans.
- Large Bowl – for the ice bath to stop the cooking process of the green beans.
- Kitchen Towel – for drying the blanched green beans.
