Green Beans Almondine has always been my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a culinary degree. It’s like that perfect little black dress you can throw on and feel instantly put together. The crunch of the almonds, the garlicky aroma—oh, and did you catch the latest trend? Everyone’s pairing them with spicy aioli now, and it’s a game-changer.
Steps
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and prepare a bowl of ice water. Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain them and immediately transfer to the ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and spread on a towel to dry.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the almonds. Toast the almonds for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour oil into the same skillet and reduce the heat if needed. Sauté the shallot with a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes until it softens. Add the blanched green beans and continue to sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until they are heated and tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the garlic and lemon juice. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, sprinkle the toasted almonds on top, and serve.
Ingredients
- Fresh French haricots verts (green beans)
- Sliced almonds
- 1 shallot
- 1 clove garlic
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
FAQ
- What is Green Beans Almondine?
- Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish, also known as amandine, which consists of green beans topped with sliced almonds. Despite its fancy name, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish.
- What ingredients do I need to make Green Beans Almondine?
- To prepare Green Beans Almondine, you’ll 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 preparing for a holiday meal or large gathering. This step involves boiling them briefly and then cooling them quickly in ice water.
- How do I toast the almonds for Green Beans Almondine?
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and start to turn golden brown. This can be done without any oil or butter to achieve a crisp texture and nutty flavor.
- What are some dishes that pair well with Green Beans Almondine?
- Green Beans Almondine pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, various proteins, or as part of a holiday feast. It also goes well with other veggie side dishes like sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted squash.
Tips
- Blanching Ahead: For holiday preparations, consider blanching the green beans a day in advance. This can save time and reduce stress on the day of your event.
- Toasting Almonds: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and achieve a perfect crisp texture, rather than sautéing them in butter.
- Ice Bath After Blanching: Immediately transferring the blanched green beans to an ice bath stops the cooking process and helps maintain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Balancing Flavors: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor that complements the dish, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the ingredients.
Equipment
- Large Pot – A good quality large pot for boiling and blanching.
- Large Bowl – Useful for the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Cast-Iron Skillet – Ideal for toasting almonds and sautéing ingredients.
- Kitchen Towel – For drying the green beans after blanching.
