What Is Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine, also known as “amandine” in French cuisine, transforms humble green beans into a show-stopping side! The secret lies in blanching the beans to retain their emerald hue and crispness, then sautéing them in a fragrant blend of garlic-infused lemon butter. And the fancy name? Courtesy of toasted almonds, lending an irresistible crunch!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the cornerstone of this dish. You can also use haricot verts, which are thinner French green beans. Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the buttery sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor. It’s important to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can also use olive oil for a vegan option. Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with its intense aroma and savory taste. Lemon: The zest and juice of fresh lemon adds a bright, citrusy touch that enhances the overall flavor profile. Seasonings: Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors. Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish it adds a pop of color and a herbaceous finish.
This simple green beans recipe promises to add a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort! Just ensure you blanch your beans properly, and it will turn out perfectly! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Now, drain them immediately and then plunge them into an ice water bath right away to stop the cooking process. Next, use a large skillet and toast the sliced almonds over medium heat until golden brown. It typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes so just be patient. Then remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside. First, using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add the minced garlic and lemon zest, and saute just until fragrant. Next, add the green beans to the skillet and saute them in the butter for about 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Then season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Now, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the green beans and toss them once more. Finally, add the toasted almonds and give the dish one last final toss. Then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like and serve your green bean almondine!
Storage
You can store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick sauté in a pan will help maintain the crunch of the almonds and the crisp quality of the green beans. While it’s possible to freeze green bean almondine for up to 3 months, it’s important to note that freezing may alter the texture of the beans and the crunch of the almonds. If you choose to freeze, place the dish in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion, and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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