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Spring Green Bean Almondine with Crispy Garlic: Easy 15-Minute Side Dish

Spring Green Bean Almondine with Crispy Garlic - featured image
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A quick and easy side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans tossed with buttery toasted almonds and crispy garlic, finished with fresh lemon. Perfect for spring gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Ice water bath
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prep the green beans. Wash them well, then trim off the stem ends.
  2. Set up your blanching station. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. While the water heats, fill a large bowl with ice water and set it nearby.
  3. Blanch the beans. Drop the trimmed beans into the boiling water. Cook them for exactly 2 minutes for thin beans, 3 minutes for thicker ones.
  4. Shock the beans. Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the beans immediately to the ice water bath. Let them sit for at least 30 seconds, then drain well and pat dry.
  5. Start the almondine. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams and starts to brown slightly.
  6. Toast the almonds. Add the sliced almonds to the foaming butter. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.
  7. Add the garlic. Toss in the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
  8. Sauté the beans. Add the blanched, dried green beans to the pan. Toss with the almond-garlic mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  9. Finish with lemon. Remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the beans and sprinkle on the lemon zest. Toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Notes

Blanch beans up to 24 hours ahead for quicker prep. For best texture, serve immediately. To prevent burning garlic, add it after almonds have started toasting. Pat beans dry thoroughly to avoid soggy results.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean almondine, crispy garlic, spring side dish, easy side dish, 15-minute recipe, green beans, almonds, garlic, lemon

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