Green Beans Almondine is a timeless French dish that combines tender green beans with toasted almonds, butter, and a hint of lemon. Elegant yet simple, it makes the perfect side for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or everyday meals. Its light crunch, nutty flavor, and vibrant green color elevate even the simplest main courses.
Green Beans Almondine:
This dish is quick to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients. With its balance of freshness and richness, Green Beans Almondine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, seafood, or poultry. Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen year-round.
History of Green Beans Almondine:
“Almondine” (or amandine) is a classic French culinary term that refers to dishes garnished with almonds. This technique became popular in French cuisine during the 19th century and was later adopted in American cooking. Today, Green Beans Almondine is considered a holiday favorite in the U.S., while still retaining its French elegance.
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Green Beans Almondine – A Classic French Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon zest or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Blanch green beans for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add almonds and toast until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add green beans to the skillet and toss with almond mixture.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Garnish with parsley or lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best texture and flavour.
- Blanching preserves color and prevents overcooking.
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning.
- Add lemon at the end for brightness.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet.
Tips for Green Beans:
- Choose slender beans for quicker cooking.
- Substitute olive oil for butter if desired.
- Add shallots for extra flavour.
- Sprinkle Parmesan for a cheesy variation.
- Serve immediately to keep beans crisp.
FAQ’s for Almondine:
Q:Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but fresh beans give better texture and flavor.
Q:How do I keep beans bright green?
Blanch and shock them in ice water before sautéing.
Q:Can I make Beans Almondine ahead of time?
Yes, blanch beans in advance and finish sautéing before serving.
Q:What other nuts can I use?
Hazelnuts or walnuts work as substitutes, but almonds are traditional.
Q:What main dishes pair best with this recipe?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, steak, or turkey.
Conclusion:
Almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that transforms ordinary green beans into something extraordinary. With buttery almonds, fresh lemon, and crisp-tender beans, it’s the perfect addition to any dinner table. Whether for holidays or weeknight meals, this French-inspired recipe delivers flavor and style every time.