Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Blanch Green Beans:
- Blanch Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Quickly transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Toast Almonds:
- Toast Almonds:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the almonds to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Green Beans:
- Sauté Green Beans:
- In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Green Beans:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic-infused butter and oil mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through.
Finish and Season:
- Add Almonds and Lemon Juice:
- Add the toasted almonds to the skillet and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the green beans. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Season:
- Season the Green Bean Almondine with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish the dish with lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor. Serve the Green Bean Almondine hot as a delightful side dish.
Notes:
- Nut Variation: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pine nuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Herb Addition: For extra freshness, you can toss in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time. Sauté them just before serving for the best texture.
This Green Bean Almondine recipe is a classic and elegant side dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh green beans with the nutty crunch of almonds. It pairs well with a variety of main courses.
