Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite side dish: green bean almondine! It’s this stunningly simple yet elegant dish that always steals the show at family gatherings. Imagine perfectly blanched green beans, vibrant and crisp, tossed with golden, toasty almonds and a hint of garlic. It’s so versatile too! I’ve served it at holiday dinners, barbecues, and even casual weeknight meals, and it’s always met with oohs and aahs. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be making it on repeat. It’s the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and a touch of sophistication—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Green Bean Almondine
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Green Bean Almondine
Get ready to whip up this gorgeous green bean almondine! It’s super easy to make, and I promise you, it’ll impress everyone at your table. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, you’ll want to trim the ends off the green beans. Just a little snip, and they’re ready to go!
- Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch those beauties for about 3–4 minutes. This helps keep their vibrant color and crunch.
- As soon as they’re done, drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and locks in that lovely bright green color.
- Now, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the minced garlic and sliced almonds. Sauté until the almonds are golden and toasty—oh, the aroma!
- Add the green beans to the skillet and toss everything together until the beans are well coated with that delicious mixture.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Green Bean Almondine
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Healthy and vibrant, packed with nutrients and flavor.
- The crunchy almonds add a delightful texture contrast.
- Perfectly complements a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to fish.
- Looks stunning on the plate, making it a great choice for special occasions.
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or fancy holiday feasts.
- Customizable—add lemon zest or your favorite herbs for extra flair!
Tips for Success with Green Bean Almondine
To make your green bean almondine absolutely perfect, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, don’t skip the ice water bath after blanching; it really locks in that gorgeous green color and keeps the beans crisp. If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, try adding a bit of lemon zest—trust me, it brightens everything up! Also, taste as you go when seasoning with salt and pepper; everyone’s palate is different, and a little adjustment can make all the difference. Finally, feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for a fun twist!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s in your delicious green bean almondine! Each serving (about 1 cup) is roughly estimated to have around 150 calories, making it a light yet satisfying side dish. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, with just 1 gram being saturated, which is pretty great! Plus, there’s 4 grams of protein to keep you fueled. You’re also getting 12 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. And don’t worry, there’s no cholesterol in this vibrant dish! Just remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle some common questions about green bean almondine! First off, what pairs well with this dish? It’s fantastic with grilled meats like chicken or fish, and it even shines next to roasted veggies. If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. As for variations, feel free to swap out the almonds for other nuts like hazelnuts or add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless, and it’s always fun to mix things up!
Serving Suggestions
Green bean almondine is such a versatile side dish that it fits seamlessly into any meal! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy dinner that feels special. It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday feasts, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey or glazed ham. If you’re having a casual weeknight meal, it goes wonderfully with a hearty pasta dish or even just a simple steak. And don’t forget about brunch! It can elevate your spread when served next to eggs or a savory quiche. You really can’t go wrong with this delightful dish!
Conclusion
Honestly, green bean almondine is a dish that truly brings joy to the table! Its combination of simple ingredients and elegant presentation makes it a must-try for anyone who loves fresh flavors. I can’t recommend it enough—once you whip this up, I bet it’ll become a staple in your home too! I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to leave feedback or share your own unique twists on the recipe. Whether you keep it classic or add your flair, this dish is bound to impress and delight every time. Happy cooking!
Drucken
Green Bean Almondine: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Gesamtzeit: 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Green bean almondine is a simple and elegant side dish featuring green beans and almonds.
Zutaten
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced almonds, sauté until golden.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest.
- Pair with grilled meats or fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Sauté
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 120mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: green bean almondine, vegetable side dish, green beans
