If you’re not one for green bean casserole, add this glossy green bean recipe to your Thanksgiving menu instead! It’s my twist on green beans almondine, or amandine in French. Though it sounds fancy, this classic French side dish is really just green beans topped with sliced almonds. It’s remarkably simple and absolutely delicious.
Green Beans Almondine Recipe Ingredients
To make this green beans almondine recipe, you only need a few basic ingredients:
Fresh green beans, of course! French haricots verts are best here, as they’re more tender than other varieties of string beans. Sliced almonds – Their nutty crunch contrasts perfectly with the grassy, tender green beans. Shallot and garlic – For savory depth of flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil – For sautéing the shallot and green beans. It adds a nice richness that ties the whole dish together. Fresh lemon juice – Its bright flavor balances this simple recipe. And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Like I said, green beans almondine couldn’t be simpler to make. Here’s what you need to do: First, blanch the green beans. Cook the green beans in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender and bright green. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Then, drain them, and spread them on a kitchen towel to dry. Tip: If you’re making this recipe for a holiday meal and you want to get ahead, you can blanch the beans up to a day in advance!
Next, toast the almonds. I cook them in a dry skillet until they’re fragrant and beginning to brown. In a traditional recipe, they’d be sautéed in butter, but I love their crisp texture and nutty flavor when they’re toasted on their own.
Then, sauté the shallot and green beans. Remove the almonds from the pan, pour in the oil, and cook the shallot until it softens, about 2 minutes. Add the blanched green beans and cook for a few minutes more, until the beans are warm and tender. Finally, season and serve. Stir in the garlic and lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Then, transfer to a serving dish, and top with the toasted almonds. Enjoy! Devour these green beans almondine with pasta, risotto, your favorite protein, or a holiday feast.
More Easy Veggie Side Dishes
If you love this green beans almondine recipe, try one of these easy veggie side dishes next:
Green Bean Salad Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Roasted Kabocha Squash Sautéed Broccoli Rabe Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Creamed Spinach Roasted Brussels Sprouts
