Description
This classic Green Beans Almondine recipe features tender-crisp French green beans sautéed with toasted sliced almonds, shallots, garlic, and a bright touch of lemon zest and juice. Perfect as a flavorful and elegant side dish, it's quick to prepare and brings a delightful crunch and freshness to your meal.
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 boiling water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season liberally with kosher salt so that the water tastes very salty. This step ensures the green beans are well-seasoned and helps them retain their bright green color.
- Blanch green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling salted water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender and slightly squeaky. Be careful not to overcook as the beans will finish cooking in the skillet.
- Toast almonds and sauté aromatics: While beans blanch, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until lightly bubbling. Add the sliced almonds and sauté, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until they start turning golden brown. Reduce heat to low, then add diced shallots and minced garlic. Continue sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until shallots are lightly caramelized and fragrant.
- Combine beans and almond mixture: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched green beans directly from the water to the skillet with almonds and aromatics. Gently toss the beans in the skillet to combine and allow them to finish cooking until tender.
- Finish with lemon and seasoning: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, toss once more to evenly distribute flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For make-ahead, blanch the green beans and shock them in ice water; store drained in the refrigerator until ready to finish in the skillet.
- Use raw sliced almonds for toasting to get a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Adjust salt carefully especially if using salted butter, as the water is already heavily salted.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispness of the beans and the crunch of the almonds.
