Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: A Simple and Nutty Side Dish

Sautéed green beans with almonds is a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with many main courses. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need an easy weekday vegetable dish, this recipe is a perfect choice. The crunch of the toasted almonds complements the tender green beans, while a touch of garlic and lemon elevates the flavors to create a fresh, bright dish.

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

1/3 cup sliced almonds

2 cloves garlic (minced)

Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Instructions:

Prepare the green beans: 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color. After a few minutes, drain the beans and set aside.

Toast the almonds: 

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the green beans: 

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil (or butter) and the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and lightly sautéed.

Season and serve: 

Season the green beans with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright finish, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans before serving.

Variations and Tips:

Use haricots verts: 

For an even more delicate dish, try using haricots verts, the thinner and more tender French green beans. They cook more quickly and have a slightly sweeter taste.

Make it buttery: 

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter instead of olive oil for both toasting the almonds and sautéing the green beans.

Add some herbs: 

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or tarragon can be mixed in for extra flavor. Simply toss them in with the beans just before serving.

This sautéed green beans with almonds recipe is a simple yet elegant side dish that’s full of texture and flavor. The combination of crunchy almonds and tender green beans, along with the bright lemon and garlic, makes it a versatile addition to any meal. It’s a perfect way to add more greens to your table with minimal effort!