Green Bean Almondine

Green Bean Almondine Recipe from France - Ingredients: Green Beans, Almonds, Butter, Salt

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Bean Almondine is a classic French dish that combines tender-crisp green beans with buttery, toasted almonds. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

History

Green Bean Almondine, also known as Amandine, originated in France and has been a popular dish in French cuisine for centuries. The combination of green beans and almonds creates a delicious and flavorful side dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 16 oz (454 g) bag of frozen French cut green beans
2 oz (57 g) of slivered almonds (0.5 cup)
4 tbsp of butter
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Cook the beans according to the package directions until they are tender-crisp. Drain them well.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, sauté the almonds in butter over medium-low heat until the nuts start to change color.
Watch closely and stir the almonds frequently.
Remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as you see that the nuts are changing color.
The almonds will continue to brown off the heat.
Stir the almonds and butter into the hot green beans. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

Add lemon zest or juice for a citrusy flavor.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
Mix in some cooked bacon or pancetta for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to watch the almonds closely while sautéing them in butter, as they can quickly burn.

- To add extra flavor, you can also sauté the green beans with garlic or shallots before adding the almonds.

- For a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of butter to sauté the almonds.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Almondine pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak. It can also be served alongside a simple salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the green beans before sautéing them with the almonds to ensure they are tender-crisp.

- Toasting the almonds in butter adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh green beans instead of frozen, just be sure to blanch them before sautéing.

- You can use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Bean Almondine can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Bean Almondine in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle additional toasted almonds on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pork tenderloin. It also complements a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Bean Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Bean Almondine contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green Bean Almondine is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish is a good source of healthy fats, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Green Bean Almondine is a low-protein dish, with approximately 5 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Green Bean Almondine is a nutritious and delicious side dish that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Green Bean Almondine is a classic French dish that is simple to make and full of flavor. With its tender-crisp green beans and buttery, toasted almonds, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her cozy little cottage. Mary was known for her exquisite culinary skills, and she had promised to teach me a new recipe that day. As we sat in her quaint kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook and flipped through the pages until she landed on a recipe that caught her eye - Green Bean Almondine.

Mary explained that Green Bean Almondine was a classic French dish that she had learned to make during her travels through Europe. The recipe called for fresh green beans, toasted almonds, butter, and a hint of lemon juice. It sounded simple enough, but Mary assured me that the combination of flavors was truly magical.

As we gathered the ingredients and started cooking, Mary shared the story of how she had come to learn the recipe for Green Bean Almondine. She told me that many years ago, when she was a young woman traveling through France, she had stumbled upon a small bistro in the charming town of Provence. The bistro was run by an elderly French woman named Madame Claudette, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals.

Mary had been drawn to Madame Claudette's bistro by the tantalizing aroma of fresh herbs and spices wafting through the air. Intrigued, she had decided to stop in for lunch and had ordered the Green Bean Almondine. From the first bite, Mary was in love. The dish was a symphony of flavors - the crunch of the almonds, the buttery richness of the green beans, and the zesty kick of lemon.

After finishing her meal, Mary had approached Madame Claudette and begged her to share the recipe. The elderly woman had smiled and agreed, on the condition that Mary promised to cook the dish with love and share it with others. Mary had eagerly agreed, and Madame Claudette had taught her the secrets of Green Bean Almondine right there in her cozy bistro kitchen.

As Mary and I cooked together in her kitchen, I could see the passion and love she put into every step of the recipe. She carefully blanched the green beans until they were tender yet still crisp, then sautéed them in butter until they were coated in a golden glaze. Next, she added the toasted almonds, letting them sizzle and release their nutty aroma.

Finally, Mary squeezed a generous amount of fresh lemon juice over the dish, giving it a bright and tangy finish. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I could see the twinkle of satisfaction in Mary's eyes. She had passed on the recipe for Green Bean Almondine to me, just as Madame Claudette had passed it on to her all those years ago.

From that day on, Green Bean Almondine became a staple in my kitchen. I would cook it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would sprinkle a dash of Parmesan cheese over the dish, or toss in a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. But no matter how I prepared it, the dish always brought a smile to the faces of those who tasted it.

As I look back on that sunny afternoon with Mary, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me - the gift of a timeless recipe that has brought joy and comfort to so many. I am reminded that food is not just about sustenance, but about the memories and stories that we share around the table. And I am grateful for the love and friendship that inspired Mary to pass on the recipe for Green Bean Almondine to me.