Green Beans Almondine is a simple side dish recipe that you will fall in love with. With just a few ingredients you have the perfect side to any holiday or weeknight meal.
I know that I’m not alone in trying to squeeze every single vegetable I can into my kids’ diets. But it can be a real challenge to find dishes that are delicious and keep their interest.
This great Green Bean recipe absolutely fits the bill. With unique and amazing flavors, it is a winner. The green beans remain bright green and plump, convincing even non bean lovers to give them a try. This is an ideal holiday side dish, but so simple it would be perfect to serve with my Easy Top Round Roast as a simple weeknight meal.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
Here is a brief overview of how to make a simple green bean almondine recipe. For all of the measurements and cooking time, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Blanch the green beans. Add some salt to a large pot of boiling water. Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Remove them quickly with a mesh strainer and transfer them to an ice bath for one minute. Then pat dry. Read more about balancing below.
- Sauté the almonds. Melt butter in a large skillet and stir in the almonds and garlic. Cook until the almonds are golden brown.
- Combine the green beans. Add the green beans to the skillet, season with salt, and cook until tender.
Picking out Ripe Green Beans
When buying fresh green beans at the store, it is important to find beans that are fresh. Look for green beans that are:
- Firm to the touch
- Bright green in color
- Don’t bend when you hold them straight out
- Blemish free
Blanching Green Beans
Blanching the green beans involves cooking them quickly in boiling water and then transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process immediately. The benefit of blanching beans is stopping enzyme action that preserves their flavor, color, and texture. It is the same method we use in my perfect Green Bean Casserole so you end up with tender, plump beans at the end that aren’t overly cooked.
Fresh vs Frozen Green Beans
I make this recipe using fresh green beans. If fresh beans aren’t available or in season, you can use frozen beans. First, remove any pieces of ice from the green beans and pat them dry lightly with a paper towel. Then proceed with the recipe as written.
Make Ahead
You can make this green beans almondine recipe ahead of time by blanching the beans, laying them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and storing in an airtight container for up to three days. When you are ready to serve them, prepare the almonds as directed followed by adding the beans and cook until done.
If you buy your green beans ahead of time following the recommendations above of how to pick out fresh green beans, they can be stored unwashed in your refrigerator until you are ready to cook them for up to a week. Be sure to store them in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator in a plastic bag they came in or a ziplock bag.
Storing and Reheating
Store your green beans almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat a portion, place over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine
This easy green bean side dish recipe is the perfect compliment to so many great main dishes. Here are some of my top picks for pairing.
If you try this green beans almondine or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. I love hearing from you and how your family enjoyed my recipes!
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed of rough stems and chopped into thirds
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided) if using table salt, use half this amount
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Create an ice bath by filling a large bowl with water and ice cubes. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Add in the green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Remove the green beans quickly with a mesh strainer. Transfer them to the ice bath for a minute. Drain the beans and pat them dry.1 pound green beans
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the almonds and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until the almonds are golden brown.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Add the green beans to the skillet. Season them with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine and cook until they are tender, about 2 minutes. Add more salt to taste.
Joy says
I’m going to try making these green beans with canned ones. Sounds so good!!