Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Green Beans Amandine is a delicious and nutritious side that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The crispness of the green beans paired with the crunch of the toasted almonds creates a perfect balance of textures. The rich, nutty taste of the almonds complements the beans beautifully, and the subtle buttery sauce rounds it out for a truly comforting dish. It’s a great addition to holiday meals, dinner parties, or just a weeknight dinner when you want something a little special.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans
- Slivered almonds
- Butter
- Garlic (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Begin by trimming the ends off the green beans and blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the slivered almonds to the pan and toast them until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the garlic (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the green beans and stir to coat them with the butter and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For extra flavor, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice or add lemon zest to the beans and almonds before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Garlic & Herb: Add a pinch of your favorite herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for added flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter and omit the garlic if desired.
- Cheesy: Add freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for a cheesy, savory flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
FAQs
How do I know when the green beans are cooked properly?
You want them to be tender yet still slightly crisp. A quick blanch in boiling water for 3-5 minutes will usually do the trick.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe, but frozen beans can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Can I make Green Beans Amandine ahead of time?
It’s best to serve this dish fresh, but you can blanch the beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two. Prepare the almonds and butter mixture just before serving.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes! You can swap almonds for cashews, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try sprinkling red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish while cooking.
What do I serve with Green Beans Amandine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak. It’s a versatile side that complements a variety of main dishes.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil or any other preferred cooking fat as a substitute for butter for a dairy-free version.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check ingredient labels, especially if you’re using pre-packaged slivered almonds.
Can I make a large batch of Green Beans Amandine?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially when blanching the beans.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To reduce the calorie content, you can use less butter or substitute it with olive oil. You can also use fewer almonds for a lighter dish.
Conclusion
Green Beans Amandine is a wonderfully simple yet elegant dish that brings out the best in fresh green beans. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful side that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress
Green Beans Amandine
Green Beans Amandine is a classic, elegant side dish made with fresh green beans, toasted almonds, and butter, often enhanced with a touch of garlic. This simple yet flavorful dish adds sophistication to any meal, making it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or weeknight dinners when you want to elevate your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans
- Slivered almonds
- Butter
- Garlic (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add garlic: If using garlic, add it to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Toss the blanched green beans in the skillet, coating them with the butter and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional garnish: For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice or add lemon zest before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Variations: Add a pinch of your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary, or top with freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter and omit garlic if desired.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with occasional stirring.
