Pregnancy Friendly Lemon Green Beans Almondine
Crisp green beans tossed in nutty browned butter, toasted almonds, and a bright hit of lemon — this is the kind of side dish that feels special without requiring much effort at all. The ingredients are straightforward and wholesome, leaning on fresh produce, real butter, and garlic, which makes it easy to feel good about every bite during pregnancy. Green beans are a solid source of folate, and pairing them with almonds adds a little protein and healthy fat to round things out nutritionally. The blanching step is key — it locks in that vivid green color and keeps the beans tender-crisp rather than mushy, so the texture stays satisfying. Browning the butter low and slow before adding the almonds builds a deep, toasty flavor that makes this dish taste far more indulgent than it actually is. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end ties everything together and keeps it tasting light and vibrant. It's the kind of vegetable dish that genuinely gets requested again.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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 tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Drain through a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water until cool to the touch, then shake off excess water.
- 2
Melt the butter in a 12-inch 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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!