Elevate Dinner with Zesty Green Beans Almondine Tonight
A delightful green beans almondine side dish that elevates any meal with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
Equipment
- Pot
- - Skillet
- ice bath
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Base
- 1 pound fresh haricot verts vibrant color and tender-crisp texture
For the Nutty Flavor
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds toast until golden; pine nuts or hazelnuts can be substitutes
For the Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or butter for classic flavor
For the Sweetness
- 1 medium shallot or onion/leeks as alternatives
For Seasoning
- to taste sea salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
For Aromatics
- 1 clove garlic omit for milder flavor
For Brightness
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute
Instructions
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 2 minutes until they're crisp-tender.
- Quickly transfer the blanched beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and fresh crunch. Drain and pat dry.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped shallot and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until the shallots become soft and translucent.
- Add the blanched green beans back into the skillet. Sauté them for 2-4 minutes, tossing until they are heated through and coated in the shallot mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice, ensuring everything is well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beautifully decorated green beans to a serving dish and generously top with the toasted almonds for that perfect crunch.
Notes
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.