Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed (haricot vert may be substituted; avoid canned or frozen)
Seasonings & Aromatics
- Water + salt (for boiling)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large shallot, finely diced (or 2 medium shallots)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Fats & Nuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Fill a large stockpot with water and generously salt it. Bring to a boil, then add the trimmed green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp and bright green. Drain and set aside. Optionally, you may move on to the next step while the green beans cook.
- Sauté Aromatics and Almonds: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add finely diced shallots, minced garlic, and sliced almonds. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring almost continuously to prevent burning and to evenly toast the almonds and soften the shallots and garlic.
- Add Green Beans to the Skillet: Transfer the blanched green beans to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, tossing and flipping continually to coat the beans in the buttery almond mixture and heat them through evenly.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Turn off the heat. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the green beans, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Optional Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed by adding extra salt, pepper, lemon juice, or even an additional pat of butter for richness. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm as a vibrant and elegant side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans or haricot verts for best texture and flavor; avoid canned or frozen for this recipe.
- Salting the blanching water helps maintain vibrant color and flavorful green beans.
- Blanching until green beans are just tender but still firm ensures a perfect texture after sautéing.
- Toast almonds carefully and stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic and shallots.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
