Crispy Green Beans Almondine Recipe: Ina Garten’s Garden-Fresh Gem

Crisp green beans dance with toasted almonds in this classic Ina Garten green beans almondine recipe that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table.

Buttery and bright, these beans burst with simple sophistication that elevates any meal.

The recipe captures the essence of French-inspired cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Almonds add a delightful crunch that complements the tender green beans perfectly.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and rich, nutty undertones.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this delectable side that turns ordinary green beans into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 110 kcal

Servings: 4

All You Need for Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine

• Green Beans: Crisp, vibrant vegetables that provide a tender-yet-snappy texture; choose bright green, firm beans without blemishes or yellowing.
• Shallot: Delicate allium that adds subtle sweetness and depth; select firm, smooth shallots without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and complexity; pick plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that adds zesty freshness and balances rich flavors; choose heavy, firm lemons with smooth, glossy skin.

• Almonds: Crunchy topping that provides nutty richness and textural contrast; select whole, raw almonds without discoloration or rancid smell.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the dish's overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, versatile fat for sautéing that adds subtle fruity undertones; opt for extra virgin for best flavor and quality.

Cookware for Ina’s Almond-Tossed Green Beans

• Large pot: For boiling water and blanching green beans.
• Ice water dish: To stop cooking process and cool beans quickly.
• Colander: For draining beans after blanching.
• Cast-iron skillet: Essential for toasting almonds and sautéing green beans.
• Kitchen towel: To pat beans dry after blanching.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and moving ingredients in skillet.
• Cutting board: For preparing shallots and garlic.
• Sharp knife: To chop shallots and garlic.

Instructions for Green Beans Almondine by Ina

Green Beans Almondine Celebration

• Water Bath Preparation Scene

Get ready for a culinary adventure by setting up a dramatic water stage with a large pot of salted water and a chilled ice bath waiting nearby. This temperature dance will keep your green beans crisp and vibrant.

• Green Bean Transformation

Drop those beautiful green beans into the bubbling water for a quick two-minute spa treatment, then rescue them immediately into the icy bath. This shocking technique locks in their bright color and perfect texture.

• Almond Magic

Warm up a dry skillet and invite the almonds to a golden-brown dance, toasting them until they release their nutty aroma. Once perfectly transformed, set these crunchy gems aside.

• Flavor Foundation

Splash some oil into the same skillet and welcome delicate shallots for a quick sizzle, creating a fragrant base that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Bean Finale

Introduce the blanched green beans to the skillet, letting them warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors. A quick sauté brings everything to life with a gentle touch.

• Finishing Flourish

Pull the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in zesty garlic and bright lemon juice. Season with a whisper of salt and pepper, then crown your creation with those toasted almonds for a spectacular finish.

Swaps and Flavor Additions for Almondine

• Choose crisp, bright green beans from local farmers' markets for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
• Swap almonds with toasted pine nuts, pecans, or walnuts to create unique nutty variations that complement the green beans.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or chives over the finished dish to add bright, aromatic notes and elevated complexity.
• Blanch and dry green beans up to a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to personalize the recipe and match your taste preferences.

Serve Green Beans Almondine to Impress

• Elevate the Dining Experience: Serve these vibrant green beans almondine on a sleek white platter to showcase the golden almonds and bright green beans, creating a visually stunning side dish that'll impress dinner guests.
• Perfect Pairing Possibilities: Complement this dish with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a tender beef tenderloin for a complete and balanced meal that brings out the nutty and lemony flavors.
• Fresh Finishing Touches: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous notes that'll make the dish even more appetizing.
• Temperature Tip: Enjoy these green beans warm immediately after cooking to maintain their crisp texture and maximize the delightful contrast between the tender beans and crunchy toasted almonds.

Storing Green Beans Without Losing the Crunch

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover green beans almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• Refresh Before Serving: Gently reheat the beans in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve their original taste and prevent overcooking, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.
• Prepare in Advance: Blanch and dry green beans up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze blanched green beans, the almonds and delicate texture may suffer, so it's best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal taste and crunch.

Elegant Green Beans Almondine Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Green bean almondine brings classic French elegance to simple side dishes. Crisp beans with toasted almonds create a perfect complement to main course proteins, offering home cooks an effortless way to elevate dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) green beans, preferably haricot verts, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Blanching Station: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil while simultaneously preparing an ice water bath to preserve the beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture.
2. Blanch Beans: Submerge green beans in boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to the ice water bath to halt cooking and lock in their bright green hue.
3. Toast Almonds: In a cast-iron skillet, gently toast whole almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then set aside on a separate plate.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped shallots with a pinch of salt until translucent, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
5. Cook Beans: Add blanched green beans to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes to achieve slight caramelization and ensure even heating, then introduce minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds to enhance aromatic complexity.
6. Final Seasoning: Remove from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the beans’ natural flavors.
7. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, generously sprinkle with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch, and present immediately while the beans remain warm and almonds crisp.

Notes

• Blanching Technique: Precisely time the green beans at 2 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking and mushiness.
• Toasting Almonds: Watch carefully during 2-3 minute toasting process, stirring frequently to avoid burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color with rich nutty aroma.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat dry green beans to prevent watery final dish and ensure proper caramelization during sautéing.
• Flavor Layering: Add garlic last to prevent burning and maximize its aromatic potential, creating a delicate, complex flavor profile in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg