Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed with toasted almonds, shallots, and garlic, finished with a bright hint of lemon zest and juice. This quick and elegant recipe brings out the best natural flavors and textures of fresh green beans, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 lb (16 oz) French green beans (haricot verts), trimmed
Almondine Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ heaping cup raw sliced almonds
- 2 medium shallots, finely diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
- Zest of one small lemon
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Blanching Water: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and season liberally with kosher salt. The water should taste very salty. This step seasons the green beans from within and helps retain their bright green color during cooking.
- Blanch Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Stir occasionally, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender with a slight squeak when bitten. Avoid overcooking as they will finish cooking in the skillet.
- Toast Almonds: While beans are blanching, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it starts to bubble lightly. Add the sliced almonds and sauté, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to turn golden and fragrant.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely diced shallots and minced garlic to the skillet with the almonds. Continue sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the shallots are lightly caramelized and the garlic fragrant.
- Combine Green Beans and Almond Mixture: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched green beans directly from the boiling water to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the beans in the almond mixture and sauté briefly until green beans are tender but still crisp.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss once more to combine. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
Notes
- Make-ahead tips: Blanch green beans and shock them in ice water to stop cooking. Drain and store refrigerated. Reheat and sauté with the almond mixture just before serving.
- Use haricot verts (French green beans) for a more delicate texture and refined presentation.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for acidity.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a holiday meal.
- Ensure not to overcook almonds to avoid a bitter taste.