Green Beans Almondine
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A very simple, very classic French side dish that’s perfect for everything from the most elegant dinner party and special occasion to laid-back family gatherings. Fresh green beans, butter, lemon and toasted almonds come together in this traditional Green Beans Almondine recipe for a quick, easy, and versatile side dish.
What is Green Beans Almondine?
Green Beans Almondine, or “haricots verts amandine” in French, is a classic French dish of green beans sautéed in butter with some lemon juice and served garnished with toasted almonds. It’s fresh and light, naturally gluten free, low-carb, paleo and keto.
Originating in France, the term “almondine” refers to the use of almonds in the dish and this term is also used to describe other dishes that use almonds like Trout Almondine. This dish is an example of the culinary tradition of French cuisine, which is known for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and delicate cooking techniques.
As much as I love flavor, and multiple dimensions of flavor, Green Beans Almondine is one of those dishes that is deliberately kept simple so as to be able to showcase and enjoy the natural flavor of high quality fresh beans. All that’s added to complement that flavor are almonds for their nuttiness and crunchy texture, some butter for added richness, salt, and a touch of lemon for its brightness and to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. In other words, only complementary flavors that don’t dominate or compete with the real star of the show. Some recipes call for garlic and/or shallots, but neither of these belong in the classic French recipe for green beans almondine.
The popularity of green beans almondine has since spread around the world where it is appreciated for its delicious and harmonious flavor profile. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a versatile side dish that pairs with a wide variety of mains. Here are just a few ideas:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey or Cornish Game Hen.
- Grilled or Pan-Seared Fish of all varieties like our Honey Orange Glazed Salmon, or our Pecan-Crusted Salmon with Bacon Fat Maple Glaze.
- Steak or Pork Chops
- Beef Roast or Pork Roast like our Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Porchetta, German Senfbraten.
- Roast Lamb, Lamb Chops, Rack of Lamb or Braised Lamb Shanks.
- Ham
- Risotto like our Mushroom Risotto, Tomato Risotto, or Pumpkin Risotto.
- Pasta like our Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, or Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Quiche like our Bacon, Leek and Roasted Tomato Quiche with Polenta Crust, Bacon and Leek Quiche, or Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Quiche.
Which Beans are Best for Green Bean Almondine?
I grow at least a dozen different varieties of beans every year. Last year was the record at 27 different bean varieties! Yes, I love beans :) One of my top favorite green bean varieties to grow are French Haricots Verts. They are long, straight, thin and tender, sauté beautifully to a crisp-tender texture, and are so elegant that they can hold their own as a stunning side dish. They have long pointed ends that are commonly left on for their aesthetic element. These are the traditional beans of choice for Green Bean Almondine and are what I recommend. If you can’t find them, you can substitute whatever green bean variety you have available.
Recipe Ingredients
To make this green beans almondine recipe, you only need a few basic ingredients:
- Fresh Green Beans – the freshest you can find. And as noted above, the traditional and best option for texture and aesthetics are French haricots verts. If you can’t find them, use whatever fresh green beans are available.
- Butter – for sautéing the green beans and adding richness.
- Sliced Blanched Almonds – these have a much more delicate crunch than chopped almonds and also have a much nicer presentation.
- Fresh lemon juice – for a touch of brightness and to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Sea Salt
Green Beans Almondine Recipe
This classy side dish comes together in a snap. Here is a traditional way to make green beans almondine:
- First let’s toast the almonds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast the, stirring frequently, until they take on a light golden hue, 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
- Next let’s blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water and as soon as the beans are in the water set the timer for 2 minutes (don’t wait for the beans to start boiling again). After 2 minutes, immediately drain the beans and put them in a bowl of ice water to prevent them from cooking any further. Drain and then blot them dry with a clean towel.
- In the large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté them in the butter for 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through and tender, but still slightly crispy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans and toss them gently to coat.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkled with the toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
For more delicious veggie side dishes be sure to try our:
- ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
- Bohnensalat (German Green Bean Salad)
- Grilled Eggplant
- Roasted Rutabaga
- Creamed Spinach
- Roasted Spiralized Beets
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
- German Red Cabbage
- Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
- Chilled Asparagus with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
- Fried Green Tomatoes
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh haricots verts , can substitute other slender green beans, washed and the stem side trimmed
- 2 tablespoons sliced blanched almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast the, stirring frequently, until they take on a light golden hue, 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water and as soon as the beans are in the water set the timer for 2 minutes (don't wait for the beans to start boiling again). After 2 minutes, immediately drain the beans and put them in a bowl of ice water to prevent them from cooking any further. Drain and then blot them dry with a clean towel.
- In the large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté them in the butter for 2-3 minutes until they're heated through and tender, but still slightly crispy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans and toss them gently to coat. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkled with the toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
