Xanthan Gum Free Classic Green Beans Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans tossed in nutty browned butter, toasted almonds, and a bright hit of lemon — this is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any dinner table. Every ingredient here is completely straightforward: fresh green beans, butter, sliced almonds, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. There are no thickeners, stabilizers, or additives hiding anywhere in this recipe, which makes it a genuinely stress-free choice for anyone navigating sensitivities to common binders. The technique does all the heavy lifting — blanching the beans keeps them vivid and snappy, while browning the butter low and slow coaxes out a deep, toasty richness that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. Toasting the almonds right in that same golden butter is the move that ties everything together, layering crunch and warmth into every bite. A final drizzle of lemon juice lifts the whole skillet and keeps it from feeling heavy. It comes together in minutes and looks elegant enough to serve alongside a holiday roast or a simple weeknight chicken.
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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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