Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds are more than just a side dish; they are the vibrant, crunchy highlight of my holiday table that everyone fights over. Chef Emma here, and I have a confession: for years, I was the person who politely passed on the green beans.
They were often too mushy, too bland, or hidden under a mountain of heavy cream soup. That all changed the Thanksgiving I decided to let the fresh beans shine on their own, dressed only in golden butter, aromatic garlic, and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds.
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The result was a revelation. The first time I set a platter of these emerald-green beauties on the table, they vanished before the turkey was even carved. This Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds recipe brings a touch of elegance to any meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. Whether you are planning a festive Christmas feast or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Summary
Elevate your dinner table with these Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds. This quick and healthy side dish features tender-crisp fresh green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with crunchy toasted almonds and a bright squeeze of lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant, low-carb, and gluten-free option perfect for holiday feasts or easy weeknight dinners.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Texture Perfection: Tender-crisp beans meet crunchy toasted almonds.
- Flavor Bomb: Rich garlic butter balanced by zesty lemon.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto-friendly.
- Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple Tuesday night.
Equipment
To make this recipe seamlessly, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for tossing the beans in the garlic butter and toasting the almonds.
- Large Pot: For blanching the green beans.
- Colander: To drain the hot water quickly.
- Bowl of Ice Water: Crucial for “shocking” the beans to keep them bright green.
- Tongs: For easy handling and tossing.
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add green beans and toss to coat evenly.
- Toast almonds in the same pan for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice before serving warm.
Notes
Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 8g Expert Tips:
– Use blanched beans for a bright green color and crisp texture.
– Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts for variation.
– Add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
– Perfect make-ahead side: reheat quickly before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and washed. Look for bright, firm beans without blemishes.
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
- 2 Garlic Cloves: Minced finely for the best aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds: These add the essential crunch and nutty flavor.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds a bright pop of acidity to cut through the richness.
Directions
- Blanch the Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
- Toast the Almonds: Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent burning.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
- Combine and Heat: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them well to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they are heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the toasted almonds and the optional lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil to make this dish purely plant-based.
- Add Bacon: For a savory twist, sauté chopped bacon until crispy in the skillet before adding the butter and garlic. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic if you enjoy a little heat.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta right before serving adds a lovely salty kick.
- Prep Ahead: You can blanch the beans and toast the almonds a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then just sauté quickly in the garlic butter right before dinner.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Nutritional Highlights
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse. Green beans are low in calories but packed with fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. The almonds contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and Vitamin E. This dish supports heart health and provides antioxidant benefits, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Dietitian Tips
This side dish is an excellent way to add volume and nutrients to your plate without excessive calories. The healthy fats from the almonds help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (A and K) found in the green beans. For a lower sodium option, rely on the lemon juice and garlic for flavor and go easy on the salt shaker.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them first and pat them dry. You can skip the blanching step since frozen beans are usually pre-blanched; just sauté them directly in the garlic butter until heated through.
2. How do I keep my green beans bright green?
The secret is the “shock” method. Plunging the boiled beans immediately into ice water stops the cooking and locks in the chlorophyll, ensuring they stay vibrant green instead of turning drab olive.
3. Can I use slivered almonds instead of sliced?
Absolutely! Slivered almonds work just as well and provide a slightly heartier crunch. Toast them the same way, keeping a close eye on them.
4. What mains pair well with this dish?
This side is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with holiday roast turkey, glazed ham, Lemon Herb Salmon, or a simple grilled steak.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for guests with gluten sensitivities.
6. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, easily! You can double or triple the ingredients. Just make sure to use a very large skillet or work in batches so the beans sauté evenly rather than steaming.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds are the ultimate proof that simple food is often the best food. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a side dish that is elegant enough for a holiday feast yet easy enough for a busy Tuesday. I hope this recipe brings a fresh, flavorful crunch to your table and becomes a cherished tradition for your family, just as it has for mine.
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