Green Bean Almondine Recipe

Have you ever tried Green Bean Almondine? It’s a French dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious. Imagine tender green beans, enveloped in a buttery sauce, and studded with toasted almonds. Vegans can’t miss this dish on their menu, never!

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I love making this dish for special occasions, but it’s also simple enough for a weeknight meal. The bright green beans add a pop of color to any plate, and the toasted almonds provide a really nice touch that I can’t get enough of. So what exactly is this recipe:

What is Green Bean Almondine?

For starters, Green Bean Almondine blends green beans with toasted almonds for a nutritious, unique taste experience.

Far from a run-of-the-mill salad, this dish is a nutritious and tasty choice. This palatable powerhouse packs a punch both in terms of flavor and health – a choice you didn’t know you needed until now.

Ingredients for Green Bean Almondine

Don’t sweat over sourcing ingredients. This is all you need:

1lb of fresh green beans, trimmed and halved for that satisfying crunch
1/2 cup of almonds. Go for sliced or slivered depending on your preference
Butter- 1 tbsp. Opt for unsalted to keep a tab on the sodium
Lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon to bring in the tang
Salt and pepper to taste.
2 cloves of garlic, minced for that added punch of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Dive into this easy guide and let’s cook up a storm.

Step 1: Gather and prepare your ingredients – fresh green beans, almonds, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Heat a pan and add butter. Let it melt completely.
Step 3: Add almonds to the melted butter and stir continuously until they turn golden brown.
Step 4: Remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add green beans and sauté until they are tender yet crisp.
Step 5: Add the golden brown almonds back to the pan with green beans. Stir well, ensuring all green beans get covered with the buttery almond mixture.
Step 6: Add garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and salt to the pan. Mix well, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Green Bean Almondine

A few tips can propel your dish to what you exactly want. Here is a handful of my secrets to help you climb to the culinary summit.

Use fresh green beans. They have the right crunch, enhancing the overall texture.
Blanch the green beans just before sautéing. This maintains their green look and controls their tenderness.
Add the almond flakes at the end to preserve the crunchiness.
Moderate the use of seasonings. Too much can overpower the nutty, crisp flavor of your green bean almondine.
Try lemon zest for an unexpected, uplifting citrus twist.

Variations and Substitutions

Twisting and tweaking your Green Bean Almondine can transform an already delightful dish into a tailored-to-taste masterpiece. Play with proteins; grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimps can add an exciting dimension.

variation of teriyaki in green bean almondine

A dab hand at dishing it your way? Green Bean Almondine graciously accepts alterations. Be creative with substitutions, flexibly fitting into vegan, low-carb, or gluten-free diets. Quinoa, anyone? Or perhaps, almond slices instead of slivers?

Adding Roasted Garlic for Extra Flavor

To turn up the ante on your green bean almondine, consider adding a dash of roasted garlic. Nothing beats the warm, earthy notes of roasted garlic, with its ability to significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Roasted garlic is the makeover ingredient your green bean almondine doesn’t know it needs. It infuses the recipe with extraordinary depth and complexity.

Trying Different Nut Options

Exploring the Nutty Depths: Indeed, almonds aren’t your only option for a crunch in your green bean almondine! Pecans, walnuts, or even cashews can also do.

Making a Vegan-friendly Version

Breathing new life into your Green Bean Almondine is easier than you might guess. Building your vegan feast starts with swapping butter with a quality plant-based alternative.

Do green beans and almonds get along with other vegan products? Absolutely! Ingredients like nutritional yeast and garlic-infused olive oil can replace Parmesan and butter.

What Can I Serve with Green Bean Almondine?

Not a meat lover? Don’t worry! Pair your Green Bean Almondine with a fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa or couscous.

For a full-blown fiesta, consider serving Green Bean Almondine alongside a spicy, curry.

And finally, serve your dish right next to a scoop of mashed potatoes.

How Do You Store Leftover Green Bean Almondine?

Curious if you can have your scrumptious Green Bean Almondine tomorrow or perhaps, several days from now? Absolutely, saving leftover isn’t complex.

Seal it in an airtight container and slip into the coolest section of your refrigerator. If kept this way, it will stay flavorful and fresh for about 3-5 days.

Tempted to reheat your salad, but not sure how to do it so it retains its crunch and flavor? Here’s a tip: use a skillet on low-to-medium heat.

Make sure to toss them lightly in the pan, until they regain their initial warmth. Ensure not to overcook to prevent them from becoming too soft or losing their delightful crunch.

Repurposing your leftover Green Bean Almondine? Absolutely! Give that lunch salad a new dinner lease. Toss it into a quick stir-fry or slide it as a side beside grilled chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions about Green Bean Almondine

Can I Make Green Bean Almondine Ahead of Time?

Definitely, a head start on your greens can be a game-changer! Preparing Green Bean Almondine ahead of time is not a pipe dream. Once you’ve blanched the beans and toasted the almonds, you can dock them in the fridge. This allows you more time to enjoy your cooking spree.

Reheat your pre-made dish just before serving. This ensures that your beans retain their crispness and shine bright with all the vibrant green.

The trick is in the timing. For the best results, aim to cook your beans a day prior. This way, the succulent beans can happily soak up the almond-infused butter while resting.