Ah, garlic green beans! A dish that dances between elegance and simplicity, like a waltz in a cozy kitchen. Imagine the satisfying crunch of almonds mingling with the savory allure of garlic—it’s a melody your taste buds won’t soon forget. Whether you’re dressing up a quiet dinner or aiming to impress a crowd, these green beans promise to steal the spotlight with their effortless charm.
Steps
- Fill a large saucepan two-thirds full with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Season the water with 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the green beans. Boil the beans for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on their size, until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans using a colander and rinse them with cold water to halt the cooking process, then set them aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter begins to foam, add the almonds along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the nuts are golden and toasted, taking care not to let them burn.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but ensure it does not brown. Turn off the heat, incorporate the remaining tablespoon of butter, and add the green beans. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Grate fresh lemon zest over the beans and toss everything together to combine well. Move the green beans to a serving platter, pour the sauce from the skillet over them, and garnish with more lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans (or haricots verts), rinsed and trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 3 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
- 1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste, plus 1 tablespoon for salting the water
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 864 kcal | Carbs: 44 g | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 72 g | Saturated Fat: 32 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28 g | Trans Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 120 mg | Sodium: 616 mg | Potassium: 1400 mg | Fiber: 20 g | Sugar: 16 g | Vitamin A: 4532 IU | Vitamin C: 60 mg | Calcium: 344 mg | Iron: 8 mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of green beans for Green Beans Almondine?
- Yes, you can use any type of green beans for this recipe. While haricots verts, a French variety, are traditionally used, regular green beans work just as well.
- Is it possible to prepare Green Beans Almondine in advance?
- You can par-boil the green beans up to three days before serving and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to prepare the butter and almond sauce just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Can I make Green Beans Almondine suitable for a dairy-free diet?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative to accommodate a dairy-free diet while still achieving a flavorful dish.
- What dishes pair well with Green Beans Almondine?
- Green Beans Almondine pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, such as honey-glazed salmon, baked chicken breast, prime rib, juicy roast turkey, chicken schnitzel, and pan-seared steak.
- How can I ensure the almonds don’t burn while cooking?
- To prevent the almonds from burning, keep a close watch on them and stir constantly while cooking. It’s also important not to raise the heat too high, as almonds can burn quickly.
Tips
- Watch the Almonds Carefully: Almonds can burn very quickly, so ensure you keep a close eye on them while toasting. Stir constantly and avoid using high heat to prevent burning.
- Salt the Water Generously: When blanching the green beans, remember to add enough salt to the boiling water. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the beans. The water should taste like saltwater.
- Shock the Beans: After boiling, immediately rinse the green beans with cold water. This “shocking” process stops the cooking and helps maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: You can par-boil the green beans up to three days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the buttery almond sauce just before serving for a quick and easy meal preparation.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Lemon Zester or Microplane Grater
