Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather with loved ones to share a feast that warms the heart and fills the belly. And let’s be honest, Thanksgiving side dishes are the unsung heroes of the meal! They’re not just a complement to the turkey; they can steal the show. This delightful green bean and almond dish is one of my absolute favorites because it’s both incredibly delicious and a breeze to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a stunning Thanksgiving side that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your holiday menu!
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Side
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed for that perfect crunch
- 1 cup of sliced almonds, adding a lovely nutty flavor and delightful texture
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil, just enough to bring all the flavors together
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced to infuse the dish with aromatic goodness
- Salt to taste, because every dish deserves a little seasoning love
- Pepper to taste, adding that subtle kick for extra flavor
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Side
Preparing this delicious Thanksgiving side is as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as green beans! First, you’ll want to get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for roasting those green beans to perfection. While that’s warming up, let’s get the beans ready. Rinse them under cold water, then trim the ends to make them nice and tidy. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Next, grab a skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant—wow, the smell is divine! Now, add the green beans and sliced almonds into the skillet, stirring them together so everything gets coated in that garlicky goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, because we want those flavors to pop!
Finally, transfer everything to a baking dish and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This roasting step is where the magic happens! You’ll end up with crisp-tender green beans and golden almonds that are just begging to be devoured. Serve warm, and watch them disappear from the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans, making sure they’re clean and ready to shine.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the green beans and sliced almonds, mixing well to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste—get those flavors just right!
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Once done, serve warm and enjoy your beautiful Thanksgiving side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Bright, fresh flavors that perfectly complement your Thanksgiving feast.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Crisp-tender green beans paired with crunchy almonds for a delightful texture.
- Minimal ingredients mean you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.
- Versatile enough to be served at any gathering, not just Thanksgiving!
- It’s a beautiful dish that adds color and elegance to your table.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about how to make this Thanksgiving side dish truly shine! First and foremost, you’ll want to be careful not to overcook those green beans. The goal is to keep them crisp and vibrant, so when you roast them, check them around the 15-minute mark. If they’re still bright green and just tender, they’re ready to come out!
For an extra pop of flavor, I love to add a bit of lemon zest right before serving. It brightens everything up and adds a lovely freshness that complements the earthy almonds and green beans perfectly. You could also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory twist, or even toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
And remember, always taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper can make a world of difference. Trust your taste buds—it’s all about finding that sweet spot of flavor that makes you smile!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s dive into the nutritional goodness of this Thanksgiving side! Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
This green bean and almond dish is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving spread. So, indulge a little guilt-free while enjoying those vibrant flavors!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this fabulous Thanksgiving side? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that might pop up as you prepare your green bean and almond dish.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking for the best texture.
What can I substitute for almonds?
If almonds aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or pecans. Both will bring a lovely crunch and flavor to the dish!
How long do I need to cook the green beans if I have a bigger batch?
Great question! If you’re doubling the recipe, you might need to increase your roasting time slightly—check them at the 20-minute mark and see if they need a few more minutes to get that perfect crisp-tender texture.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
I love serving this green bean and almond side warm, right out of the oven. It looks beautiful in a serving dish, and you can sprinkle some extra almonds on top for a fancy touch! It pairs wonderfully with turkey and all the classic Thanksgiving flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything and have it ready to go, but I recommend roasting the green beans just before serving to keep them crispy. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed the next day!
What other seasonings can I add for a twist?
Feel free to get creative! A dash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can add a unique flavor profile. You could also experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for a different kick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delightful Thanksgiving side (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that fresh flavor. First off, let the green beans and almonds cool down to room temperature before packing them up. I like to use an airtight container to keep everything nice and secure in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple! Just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help maintain that beautiful crispness of the green beans and almonds. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them—just be careful not to overdo it! Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until they’re warmed through. Nobody wants soggy green beans, right?
And if you want to elevate the dish again, consider tossing in a little extra salt or a splash of lemon juice before serving. It’s all about bringing that fresh flavor back to life! Enjoy every bite of those tasty leftovers!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Side: 7 Delicious Ways to Impress Guests
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious side dish perfect for your Thanksgiving meal.
Zutaten
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add green beans and almonds, stirring well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and roast for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the green beans.
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving side, green beans, almond side dish
