There’s something truly uplifting about the first crunch of fresh green beans, especially when they’re kissed by a buttery almond sauce. I discovered Green Beans Amandine during a summer gathering, and it quickly became a go-to side dish in my kitchen. This classic French recipe manages to elevate simple ingredients, effortlessly turning often-overlooked green beans into a gourmet delight.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant dish, transforming it into a nutritious, flavorful addition to any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these crisp-tender beans drizzled with toasty almonds and a hint of lemon charm everyone at the table. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to swap in different nuts or add your favorite herbs to make it truly your own. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that promises to brighten your dinner table and your spirits!
Why are Green Beans Amandine a must-try?
Quick and Easy: This delightful side dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with nutrients, green beans provide fiber and vitamins, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute nuts or add herbs to suit your taste—there’s always room for creativity!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even picky eaters won’t resist these vibrant green beans, thanks to the irresistible buttery almond sauce.
Elegant Presentation: This dish not only tastes great but looks stunning on any dinner table, elevating your meal to a whole new level of sophistication.
Don’t forget to pair them with grilled chicken or fish for a complete culinary experience!
Green Beans Amandine Ingredients
For the Beans
• Fresh Green Beans – Use fresh for best flavor; if using frozen, reduce cooking time for perfect tenderness.
• Butter – Adds richness; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
For the Topping
• Slivered Almonds – These add a delightful crunch; toasting enhances their nutty flavor.
• Lemon Juice – A splash brightens the dish; it’s optional but highly recommended for balance!
• Seasoned Salt – Enhances flavor; feel free to replace it with your favorite seasoning blend.
Feel free to customize the ingredients in this Green Beans Amandine recipe to suit your taste!
How to Make Green Beans Amandine
-
Prepare the Green Beans: In a large skillet, combine the fresh green beans and 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender. Drain them and set aside.
-
Toast the Almonds: In the same skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add the slivered almonds and cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
-
Add Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice and seasoned salt (if you choose). This will brighten up the dish’s flavors and enhance the buttery taste.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked green beans back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the beans with the almond mixture and heat through, about 2 minutes.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for added freshness and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Green Beans Amandine are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the green beans up to 24 hours in advance by blanching them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then plunging them into ice water to maintain their vibrant color. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The toasted almonds can also be prepared ahead and kept in a separate container for up to 3 days; just make sure they are completely cool before sealing. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the beans in a skillet with melted butter, add the lemon juice and seasoned salt, then toss in the almonds for a delightful dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Green Beans Amandine
-
Blanch for Color: Before cooking, blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 2 minutes to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
-
Watch the Nuts: Keep an eye on the slivered almonds while toasting; they can burn quickly. Stir frequently for even browning.
-
Taste as You Go: Always taste the dish before serving; adjust the seasoning based on the freshness of the green beans to ensure balanced flavors.
-
Avoid Soggy Beans: Don’t overcook the green beans! Remove them from heat as soon as they reach crisp-tender perfection to keep their delightful crunch.
-
Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container but avoid freezing this Green Beans Amandine as the buttery sauce can lose its texture upon thawing.
Storage Tips for Green Beans Amandine
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture without overcooking.
- Freezer: Avoid freezing this Green Beans Amandine dish, as the buttery almond sauce may separate and lose its delightful texture upon thawing.
- Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, keep the dish covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours to ensure optimal freshness.
- Reheating: When reheating, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors and enhance the buttery almond sauce.
What to Serve with Green Beans Amandine?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful green beans with complementary flavors and textures.
-
Grilled Chicken: The smoky, savory notes of grilled chicken offer a perfect contrast to the buttery, nutty beans, making it a heartwarming meal.
-
Lemon Herb Fish: A light, flaky fish like cod or sole, seasoned with lemon and herbs, enhances the freshness of the green beans beautifully while keeping it effortless.
-
Roasted Pork Tenderloin: This tender meat infused with spices provides a comforting, savory backdrop that perfectly balances the bright flavors of the Amandine.
-
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cucumbers, and feta adds a light crunch, complementing the richness of the beans and providing a wholesome touch.
-
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and satisfying, these potatoes create a comforting contrast to the crisp-tender green beans, creating a memorable, hearty side.
-
Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a light vinaigrette cleanse the palate, rounding out your meal without overpowering the subtle flavors of the green beans.
-
Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and lively, this drink choice echoes the zesty notes in the dish, enhancing both your dining experience and hydration.
-
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this rich yet airy treat serves as a delightful finish, offering a sweet contrast to the savory elements of your meal.
Experience the harmony of flavors and textures, and watch how these pairings bring your Green Beans Amandine to life!
Green Beans Amandine Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful dish to your taste preferences, enhancing the flavors and textures of Green Beans Amandine.
-
Nutty Alternatives: Swap slivered almonds for walnuts or pecans to introduce a different nutty flavor that still delivers a lovely crunch.
-
Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley during the final mixing step for a burst of color and freshness.
-
Garlic Flavor: Toss in minced garlic while toasting the almonds for an aromatic punch that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
-
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still brings rich flavors to the dish.
-
Zesty Citrus: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a vibrant twist in flavor that adds a tropical zing to the green beans.
-
Flavor Boost: Incorporate a dash of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that brings excitement to each bite without overwhelming the dish.
-
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for a savory, cheesy layer that pairs wonderfully with the almonds.
-
Asian Spin: Add sesame seeds along with the almonds to create an Asian-inspired twist that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
These variations allow you to explore new flavors while making Green Beans Amandine a meal that’s uniquely yours!
Green Beans Amandine Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Select vibrant green beans that are crisp and firm, with no dark spots or blemishes. If you can bend a bean without it breaking, it’s a good sign of freshness. For a shortcut, you can use frozen green beans; just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, ensuring they stay crisp-tender.
How long can I store leftovers of Green Beans Amandine?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat. This will help maintain their crisp texture without overcooking, bringing back that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze Green Beans Amandine?
It’s best to avoid freezing this dish. Freezing can cause the buttery almond sauce to separate and lose its smooth texture when thawed. Instead, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and enjoy them fresh for a few days!
What can I do if my almonds burn while toasting?
Very! If your almonds burn, don’t fret. Just start again with fresh slivered almonds. To avoid burning in the future, try toasting them over low heat and watch them closely, stirring frequently for even cooking. This is a crucial step that elevates the dish, ensuring that nutty flavor shines through.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the almonds or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, olive oil works wonderfully as a butter substitute without sacrificing flavor. Always double-check the ingredients for any allergy concerns before serving!
Green Beans Amandine Recipe - Quick, Crunchy, and Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, combine the fresh green beans and 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender. Drain them and set aside.
- In the same skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add the slivered almonds and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and seasoned salt. This will brighten up the dish's flavors and enhance the buttery taste.
- Add the cooked green beans back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the beans with the almond mixture and heat through, about 2 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for added freshness and flavor.