Description
Ina Garten’s green beans almondine is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the fresh taste of green beans, enhanced by the rich flavor of almonds and a touch of lemon. It’s perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove almonds and set aside.
- Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine ingredients: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic butter. Squeeze lemon juice over the beans and season with salt and pepper.
- Add almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Selecting Green Beans: Choose fresh, bright green beans that are firm and free of blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanching Tip: Make sure to add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water when blanching the green beans. This helps to enhance their flavor.
- Ice Bath: Transferring the green beans to an ice bath immediately after blanching stops the cooking process and helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Toasting Almonds: Watch the almonds closely while toasting them as they can burn quickly. Stir continuously for even browning.
- Garlic Flavor: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference. For a milder flavor, use one clove of garlic instead of two.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it can taste artificial.
- Serving: This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the green beans and the crunch of the toasted almonds.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients such as shallots, bacon, or different nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain the texture.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the beans from drying out.