Light and fresh with a bright, crispy, crunchy texture! A great way to get your veggies.
Green beans are a staple at holiday dinners across the country and a perfect side to any weeknight meal. Though for me, they really don’t need much, this recipe gives them that little something extra. It has become my go-to when I want to serve an elegant green bean dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort. And believe me, it’s not just for special occasions. I make it on weeknights too because it’s so simple and full of flavor! Just make sure you start with green beans that are fresh, crisp, and beautiful.
This sautéed green bean and almond dish is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can transform a meal. Toasted almonds add a delicious crunch, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. This delectable green bean recipe is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will make you want to make it time and time again.
Are Green Beans with Almonds Healthy?
This is a nutritious dish, high in fiber, low in calories, and a great way to get in your legumes. The olive oil is a healthy fat, and the almonds add protein. You could use other nuts with slightly varying nutritional values. Pecans, walnuts, and cashews all toast up nicely.
Is Blanching Necessary?
Blanching fresh vegetables might seem unnecessary, but the benefits are worth those extra couple of minutes. They’ll be a brighter green, and the texture is greatly improved, especially since you’re only going to cook these until crisp-tender.
Be sure to bring the water to a boil before adding the beans. Then set a timer for two minutes, and have a bowl of ice water ready to plunge them into, which will stop the cooking process. You want the real cooking to be done when you sauté them, so they’ll caramelize and get a little sweeter. If you don’t have ice water, run them under very cold water for a minute.
How to store leftovers?
These are best eaten fresh, immediately after preparation. They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or a pan. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe, airtight containers, but bear in mind that this will affect the texture of the beans, making them lose their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
The minute I think of this dish, I want mashed potatoes next to it. Maybe because the beans are so crisp and flavorful and the potatoes are so delicious and filling. Any one of these potato recipes will go well next to these green beans. My number-one choice would be Garlic Mashed Potatoes, but Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes is a close second! I’d round out the meal with Asian Salmon and offer Strawberry Cobbler for dessert. Heaven. I think this is the perfect meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and toast them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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