Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds is a simple but elegant side dish that works well for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. The green beans stay crisp and bright, while the garlic butter adds richness. Toasted almonds bring a nutty crunch that makes the dish feel special. It comes together quickly and always looks beautiful on the table.
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Nutrition (per serving)
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds is a quick side dish that works well for holiday meals or simple weeknight dinners. The green beans stay crisp and bright because they are blanched before being sautéed. This method keeps their color and gives them a nice bite. The garlic butter brings flavor and richness, while the toasted almonds add a nutty crunch.
The blanching step is important because it helps the beans cook evenly. An ice bath stops the cooking and keeps the color bright. Once the beans are drained, they sauté quickly in a pan with garlic butter. The garlic cooks just long enough to release its aroma.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water until bright green.
Step 2: Transfer the beans to an ice bath to keep them crisp.
Step 3: Melt the butter with olive oil and cook the garlic briefly.
Step 4: Add the beans to the pan and toss in the garlic butter.
Step 5: Top with toasted almonds. Add lemon zest or Parmesan if you want more flavor.
These green beans are versatile. You can add crushed red pepper for heat, or swap almonds for pine nuts. They pair well with roasted chicken, beef, and holiday mains. The dish reheats well and keeps its texture, making it reliable for gatherings.
Recipe
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds
Ingredients
- Green beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon salt for boiling
- Garlic butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Almonds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional garnish
- Lemon zest
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about three minutes until bright green.
- 2
Drain the beans and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. This keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- 3
Melt the butter in a large pan with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add the green beans to the pan. Toss them in the garlic butter and season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top. Add lemon zest or Parmesan if you want extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.