Imagine a side dish so elegant and irresistible that it transforms ordinary green beans into a gourmet French culinary masterpiece. Green Beans Amandine is not just a recipe; it's a simple yet sophisticated way to turn humble vegetables into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will impress your family and dinner guests alike. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water and trim the ends to remove any tough or woody parts. You can snap them off by hand or use a knife for a cleaner cut.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help season the green beans as they cook.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the beans for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them.
- While the green beans are blanching, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the beans are done, immediately transfer them to the ice water using a slotted spoon or a strainer. This will stop the cooking process and help maintain their vibrant color.
- After the beans have cooled for a few minutes, drain them well and set them aside. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the sliced almonds to the skillet.
- Toast the almonds in the butter for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn.
- Once the almonds are toasted, add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently with the almonds and butter to coat evenly.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the green beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the green beans for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until they are heated through. Remove from heat and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't skip the ice bath - it's crucial for maintaining the beans' bright green color and preventing overcooking.
- Toast almonds slowly and carefully to prevent burning; they should be golden and fragrant.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the beans at their most flavorful and crisp.
- Choose sliced almonds with consistent thickness for even toasting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
