If you’re looking for a classic side dish that’s both simple and delicious, Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine might just become your new favorite. This recipe pairs crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
The simplicity of this dish lies in its preparation, requiring just a few ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.
Imagine serving this at your next gathering alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon, where it will shine as a side dish without overshadowing the main course.
Green Beans Almondine doesn’t require the use of an oven, which makes it perfect for when your holiday feast is taking up all the baking space with turkey and pie. You can prepare it on the stovetop, ensuring everything is timed perfectly.
Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply aiming to add a sophisticated touch to your family meal, this dish offers versatility and elegance. Plus, storing leftovers is a breeze! Just keep them in the refrigerator, and you’ll have an easy side ready for the next meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this effortlessly charming recipe.
What Makes This Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Special?
You’re going to love this Green Beans Almondine recipe by Ina Garten for its simplicity and flavor. It takes only 20 minutes to make, perfect for any busy evening or elegant dinner.
The mix of ingredients creates a classic dish with a twist. Blanched green beans, toasted almonds, and garlic offer a crunchy and tasty combination. The lemon juice adds a bright touch, enhancing the flavors.
Cooking the almonds in butter with olive oil gives them a wonderful golden color. This process brings out a nutty aroma that complements the green beans perfectly.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 lb green beans
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
Adding a finely chopped shallot gives this dish a mild onion flavor, balancing the richness of the butter and almonds. It’s an elegant side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Cooking in one skillet means less cleanup. Just make sure you toast the almonds right to avoid burning.
This dish’s elegant presentation makes it stand out at any gathering. It mirrors the ease and sophistication that you expect from Ina Garten’s recipes, making it a go-to choice for any meal where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
To create Ina Garten’s delicious Green Beans Almondine, you will need a collection of simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Start with fresh green beans, also known as haricot verts, which are slightly thinner and more tender. Aim for about 12 ounces of these beans.
Sliced almonds are key for adding crunch. You will need about 2 tablespoons of them. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
Use extra-virgin olive oil for its rich taste. A single tablespoon should suffice.
A shallot, thinly sliced, will bring a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Include 1 clove of garlic, freshly minced or grated, for a hint of aromatic depth. Garlic works beautifully when sautéed for just a few seconds.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will season the green beans perfectly.
For a fresh, tangy lift, add ½ tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Use fresh lemon for the best flavor, and a bit of lemon zest can also be a delightful addition.
Unsalted butter enhances the richness. Use about 2 tablespoons to coat the beans and almonds.
You can garnish with fresh parsley or other preferred herbs to add a pop of color and freshness at serving time.
These ingredients together promise a classic and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste and enjoy the delightful crunch and freshness of this simple yet elegant recipe.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and cook, stirring often, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until it is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with garlic. Toss to coat the beans with garlic butter. Add the toasted almonds and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine everything together.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Serve warm for a delightful side dish. Enjoy your delicious Green Beans Almondine!
Tips For The Perfect Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe
To make Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine perfectly, start by using fresh green beans. They should be crisp and bright. Blanch them quickly in boiling water and then shock in ice water to keep their vibrant green color.
Toasting the almonds is crucial. Use a skillet over medium heat, with a mix of butter and olive oil. Stir the almonds until golden brown. This adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Adding garlic to the skillet right after toasting almonds helps infuse the oil with extra aroma. Be cautious not to burn the garlic; a short 30 seconds is enough.
Incorporate fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish. This contrasts beautifully with the richness of the almonds and olive oil, giving the dish a fresh pop.
You can experiment with adding crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. These can add a smoky or earthy taste if you want to change it up.
Sprinkling with freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, creamy note. This is optional but can make the dish more delicious.
How To Customize Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe For Different Diets
To adapt Green Beans Almondine for different diets, consider these options:
Vegetarian or Vegan:
Replace butter with vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil. This change keeps the dish plant-based without losing richness.
Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional sauces or seasonings used are gluten-free as well.
Nut-Free:
Swap almonds with toasted pine nuts for those with nut allergies. Pine nuts provide a similar crunch and flavor.
Lower Fat:
Use less butter or substitute with olive oil to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
For added flavor:
Gremolata Variation:
Add a gremolata topping made of minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this at the end for a fresh and zesty finish.
Experiment with these variations to match your dietary needs while enjoying a flavorful side dish.
Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe Storage And Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: After cooking the Green Beans Almondine, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method keeps the beans fresh and ready for reheating.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Spread the beans on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent clumping.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the beans in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or olive oil to refresh them. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the beans soggy. Heating on the stove is the best way to maintain their crisp texture.
Meal Prep Tips: Blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also toast the almonds and keep them in an airtight container. This advance prep makes it easy to assemble the dish quickly when needed.
Nutritional Facts: Although specific nutritional information can vary, Green Beans Almondine is generally low in calories and fat. It’s a flavorful side rich in fiber and essential vitamins from the green beans and almonds.
These tips ensure your Green Beans Almondine remains delicious and efficiently prepped for any meal. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this classic dish!
Pairing Ideas For Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Pairing the Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine with the right dish can elevate your meal. This side dish, with its rich flavors from garlic and almonds, is versatile and can complement various main dishes.
Main Dishes
Try serving it with a juicy roast chicken or a tender baked salmon. These proteins harmonize well with the crisp green beans and the nutty flavor from the almonds. Another great option is a savory grilled steak, which can balance out the freshness of the beans.
Starches
For a complete meal, pair these green beans with mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes goes nicely with the crunch of the almonds. You might also like to try wild rice or a creamy polenta.
Salads
Include a quinoa salad to keep things light yet fulfilling. The nutty taste of quinoa complements the nuttiness of the almondine. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also be refreshing alongside the richer flavors.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian meal, consider combining it with a mushroom risotto or stuffed bell peppers. These dishes are robust in flavor and will keep the meal satisfying and balanced.
These pairing ideas can add variety to your meal planning. Each component complements the others beautifully.
Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine
Equipment
- Large pot for blanching green beans
- Skillet for toasting almonds and sautéing garlic
- Bowl for ice water
Ingredients
- lb green beans
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans in a pot of boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and cook, stirring, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter. Stir in the toasted almonds and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Calories: 180
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
