Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a fantastic side dish, and let me tell you, this green bean almondine is an absolute favorite of mine! I remember the first time I made it; I was so nervous, but once I tasted those tender green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic, I knew I had found a gem. The crunchy almonds add a delightful texture and nutty flavor that just sings alongside turkey and stuffing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy holiday kitchens. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Trust me, this dish will become a staple on your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting those green beans perfectly tender and the almonds nicely toasted.
- While the oven is warming up, wash and trim the green beans. Make sure to snap off the ends; it makes a big difference in presentation and taste!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the beans are well coated. You want them to soak in that garlicky goodness!
- Next, gently fold in the sliced almonds. They’ll add that wonderful crunch we all love.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; give those beans some space to roast!
- Now, it’s time to bake! Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let them roast for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the green beans are tender yet still vibrant in color.
- Once they’re out of the oven, serve warm as a delightful side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday cooking!
- Healthy and vegetarian: Packed with fresh green beans and healthy fats from the almonds, this dish fits perfectly into any vegetarian-friendly menu.
- Flavorful with garlic and almonds: The combination of savory garlic and crunchy almonds makes each bite a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
- Perfect complement for Thanksgiving meals: This dish shines alongside turkey, stuffing, and all your favorite sides, adding a pop of color and flavor to your table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your green beans turn out perfectly tender and flavorful, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t overcook them; you want them to maintain that lovely crunch. Keep an eye on them while they roast, and check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. If you like them a bit more charred, feel free to let them go a few minutes longer, but trust your instincts!
Also, don’t skimp on the olive oil—it helps everything roast beautifully and enhances the flavor. If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for a zesty twist. And remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference, so choose the freshest green beans you can find. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this green bean almondine is how easily you can switch things up! If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. Want to spice it up? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a lovely kick. You can also mix in other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. For a fresh twist, try adding a bit of lemon zest or even some grated Parmesan cheese before serving. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious green bean almondine. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This hearty side dish not only complements your Thanksgiving feast perfectly but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent any sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help retain that lovely crunch from the almonds and keep the green beans vibrant. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be careful not to overdo it—just a minute or two should do the trick! Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wash and trim the green beans and mix them with the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply add the almonds, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast as directed. It’ll save you time on Thanksgiving day!
What can I substitute for almonds?
If almonds aren’t your thing, don’t worry! You can easily swap them out for walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
How do I know when the green beans are done?
You’ll know the green beans are ready when they’re tender yet still bright green. Give them a taste around the 15-minute mark; they should have a slight crunch. If you prefer them a bit softer, you can leave them in for another few minutes, just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
Side Dish for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Flavor Boosts
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Zutaten
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a bowl, mix green beans, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced almonds to the mixture.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until green beans are tender.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds with walnuts.
- Add lemon zest for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: side dish for thanksgiving
