Nutmeg Free Classic Green Beans Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans tossed in nutty browned butter, golden sliced almonds, and a bright hit of lemon — this is one of those side dishes that looks effortlessly elegant but comes together in just a few simple steps. Many classic versions of this French-inspired preparation sneak in warm spices that can be a real problem for those avoiding certain seasonings, but this recipe keeps things clean and straightforward. The flavor here comes entirely from technique: browning the butter low and slow until it smells toasty, then coaxing the almonds and garlic to that perfect golden edge. Blanching the beans first locks in their vivid color and snap, so every bite has that satisfying crunch before it even hits the skillet. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end cuts through the richness and lifts the whole dish. It's the kind of side that disappears fast at the dinner table, whether you're serving it alongside a weeknight roast or bringing it to a holiday spread.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tsp salt, plus more for the blanching water
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain through a colander and immediately spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry.
- 2
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides and the butter turns a light golden-brown and smells nutty, about 3–4 minutes.
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