Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and utterly mouthwatering. Our Green Beans with Almonds and Bacon recipe is not just another vegetable side – it's a flavor explosion that will have your dinner guests begging for your cooking secrets! With the perfect balance of crispy bacon, toasted almonds, and perfectly tender green beans, this dish elevates a simple vegetable to a star-worthy sensation that will make even the pickiest eaters come back for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Trim the ends off the fresh green beans and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Set them aside to drain.
- Chop the bacon into small pieces, about 1 inch in size. This will help them cook evenly and render their fat more effectively.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- While the bacon is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- After the green beans have cooled, drain them again and set aside. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced almonds. Toast the almonds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the almonds are toasted, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir to combine the beans with the bacon fat and almonds, allowing them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the green beans and almonds. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the green beans with almonds and bacon to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: Always blanch your green beans in salted boiling water to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. The ice bath immediately after cooking is crucial to stop the cooking process.
- Bacon Fat Magic: Don't discard the bacon fat – it's liquid gold! It adds incredible depth of flavor to your green beans and helps toast the almonds to perfection.
- Timing Matters: Toast your almonds carefully – they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. The seasoning brings out the rich flavors of the bacon and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The contrast of warm, crispy bacon and crunchy almonds with tender green beans is what makes this recipe truly special.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
