Green Beans Almondine is a classic French dish that is both healthy and delicious. At only 85 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free side dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. They are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Together, they make a nutritious and satisfying dish.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making Green Beans Almondine, from choosing and storing green beans to making a simple almondine sauce. We'll also provide some variations and serving suggestions to help you make it your own.

Easy and Quick Recipe for Green Beans Almondine

To make Green Beans Almondine, you will need just a few simple ingredients: - 1/2 pound fresh green beans - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Wash and trim the green beans. 2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. 3. While the green beans are cooking, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. 4. Remove the green beans from the pot and shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. 5. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the green beans are coated in the sauce. 6. Top with toasted almonds and serve immediately.

Healthy Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Green Beans Almondine is a nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. To make it even healthier, try using olive oil instead of butter, and add some garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Here's a healthy Green Beans Almondine recipe: - 1/2 pound fresh green beans - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Vegetarian Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Green Beans Almondine is a naturally vegetarian dish, and it's easy to make it vegan by using a vegan butter substitute. Here's a simple and tasty vegetarian recipe: - 1/2 pound fresh green beans - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1 tablespoon vegan butter - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Instructions: 1. Wash and trim the green beans. 2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. 3. While the green beans are cooking, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. 4. Remove the green beans from the pot and shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. 5. Melt the vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the green beans are coated in the sauce. 6. Sprinkle with garlic powder and top with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.

Classic French Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Green Beans Almondine is a traditional French dish that is usually served as a side dish with fish or poultry. Here's a classic recipe that will transport you to a French bistro: - 1/2 pound fresh green beans - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Wash and trim the green beans. 2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. 3. While the green beans are cooking, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. 4. Remove the green beans from the pot and shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. 5. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the green beans are coated in the sauce. 6. Top with toasted almonds and serve immediately.

How to Choose and Store Green Beans

When buying green beans, look for firm, brightly colored beans that are free from blemishes and spots. They should snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that are wilted, discolored, or mushy. To store green beans, wrap them in a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before using green beans, wash them well and trim the stem ends. If you have time, snap off the ends by hand instead of using a knife, as this will preserve their nutrients and flavor.

How to Blanch Green Beans for Almondine Recipe

To blanch green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Drain the beans and shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help them retain their bright green color and crisp texture. Blanching is a great way to prepare vegetables for salads, stir-fries, and other dishes, as it partially cooks them and sets their color without causing them to become mushy or overcooked.

How to Make Almondine Sauce for Green Beans

To make almondine sauce, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Almondine sauce can also be made with olive oil instead of butter, and you can customize it with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, or red pepper flakes.

How to Toast Almonds for Green Beans Almondine

To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the heat and let them cool before using them in your recipe. You can also toast almonds in the oven, by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations of Green Beans Almondine

- Add garlic or shallots to the almondine sauce for extra flavor. - Use different nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts, in place of the almonds. - Top with crumbled bacon for a salty crunch. - Add sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture. - Use different herbs or spices, such as rosemary, smoked paprika, or cumin, to customize the flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine

- Serve with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or shrimp. - Pair with roasted or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. - Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. - Add to a holiday dinner spread for a classic and elegant touch.