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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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