Description
Green Beans Almondine is a classic French side dish featuring crisp-tender French green beans sautéed with browned butter, toasted sliced almonds, shallots, garlic, and brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 lb (16 oz) French green beans (haricot verts, trimmed)
- 2 medium shallots (finely diced)
- 2 medium garlic cloves (finely minced)
- Zest of one small lemon
Fats and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ heaping cup raw sliced almonds
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seasonings
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it liberally with kosher salt until it tastes very salty. This ensures the green beans are properly seasoned and helps them retain their bright green color.
- Blanch the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender and slightly squeaky when bitten. Be careful not to overcook them because they will continue cooking in the skillet.
- Toast the almonds: While the beans blanch, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it bubbles lightly. Add the raw sliced almonds and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the almonds start turning golden brown.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: Reduce heat to low and add the finely diced shallots and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the shallots and garlic are fragrant and lightly caramelized.
- Combine green beans with almond mixture: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched green beans directly from the boiling water into the almond and shallot mixture in the skillet. Sauté briefly, tossing gently to evenly coat the green beans and finish cooking until tender.
- Add lemon and season: Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss once again, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Green Beans Almondine hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- To make ahead, blanch the green beans in advance, then shock in ice water to stop cooking. Dry and refrigerate them. Reheat and finish sautéing with the almond and shallot mixture just before serving.
- Using haricot verts (French green beans) is recommended for their tender texture and elegant appearance.
- Be sure not to overcook the beans during blanching to preserve their crispness and bright green color.
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning; they should be lightly golden for best flavor.
- If fresh lemon is not available, use a high-quality bottled lemon juice for a similar effect.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
