Crisp Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe with Crunch

Elegant green beans almondine dazzles with its understated culinary charm, transforming humble vegetables into a gourmet sensation.

Crisp emerald beans mingle with golden, toasted almonds, creating a mesmerizing dance of textures and flavors.

Velvety butter weaves a rich narrative through each bite, while subtle citrus notes add a bright, unexpected twist.

Delicate shallots whisper complexity into this seemingly simple side dish.

Restaurant-quality yet wonderfully achievable, this recipe invites even novice cooks to craft something extraordinary.

The harmonious blend of ingredients promises a memorable dining experience that elevates any meal from ordinary to spectacular.

Kitchen Gear for Perfect Green Beans Almondine

• Large Pot: Used for boiling water and blanching green beans.
• Large Bowl: Filled with ice water to stop cooking process and preserve bean color.
• Colander: Helps drain boiled beans quickly.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: Perfect for patting beans dry after blanching.
• Cast-Iron Skillet: Excellent for toasting almonds and sautéing shallots.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Knife: Needed for slicing shallots and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of salt and seasonings.
• Serving Dish: Helps present the final green bean side dish beautifully.

How to Cook Green Beans Almondine Like Ina Garten

Elevate Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds

• Blanch and Chill Beans

Drop fresh green beans into rapidly boiling salted water. Cook for two minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to lock in vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.

• Toast Nutty Almonds

Warm a skillet over medium heat. Scatter sliced almonds across the surface, stirring frequently until they transform into a rich golden brown. Remove and set aside, letting their aromatic crunch cool.

• Caramelize Shallot Magic

In the same skillet, drizzle olive oil and add thinly sliced shallots. Soften them gently until they become translucent and release their sweet fragrance. Season with a pinch of sea salt.

• Revive Beans with Flavor

Introduce blanched green beans to the shallot-infused pan. Toss and warm them for a few minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet maintain a delightful crunch.

• Finish with Zest

Remove from heat and awaken the dish with freshly grated garlic and a splash of bright lemon juice. Swirl everything together, seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the green beans to a serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top for a delightful crunch. Bring to the table immediately while still warm, ready to impress and delight.

Almondine Cooking Tips Straight from Ina’s Pantry

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different nuts like toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own depth and crunch to the green bean dish.
• Quick Spice Boost: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat and complexity. These simple additions transform the basic recipe into a more exciting side dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Blanch and cool green beans up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly reheat in the skillet with shallots for a convenient meal prep option.
• Dairy-Free Decadence: Swap olive oil for butter if desired, or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This technique works perfectly for those seeking alternative flavor profiles or dietary modifications.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten’s Almond Green Beans

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Complement these zesty green beans with grilled chicken breast, roasted salmon, or pan-seared tofu for a complete and balanced meal that satisfies hunger.
• Create Stunning Side Dish Combinations: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, or herbed rice to add vibrant color and fresh flavor to your dinner plate.
• Perfect Party Platter Potential: Arrange these green beans on a large platter for gatherings, letting guests enjoy the beautiful presentation and delightful crunch of toasted almonds and bright green beans.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftover green beans in lunch containers for a delicious and nutritious midday meal that stays crisp and flavorful when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Keeping Green Beans Almondine Fresh Ina’s Way

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Brilliance: Blanch and dry green beans up to 2 days before final cooking, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sautéed green beans in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their crisp texture and prevent mushiness.
• Freezing Potential: Green beans can be frozen after blanching for up to 3 months. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve their vibrant green color.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Separately prepare toasted almonds and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, adding crunch to your dish whenever needed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine

• Green Beans: Choose firm, bright green beans without blemishes or soft spots.
• Shallots: Select firm, smooth shallots with no sprouting or brown patches.
• Garlic: Pick plump, compact cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Lemon: Look for bright yellow, heavy fruits with smooth, slightly soft skin.

• Almonds: Select raw, unsalted sliced almonds with uniform color and no signs of rancidity.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground or high-quality varieties for enhanced flavor.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil with robust, fruity flavor and clear appearance.

Elegant Green Beans Almondine Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Green beans almondine, a classic French side dish from Ina Garten’s repertoire, elevates simple ingredients with elegant technique. Her recipe combines crisp green beans, toasted almonds, and a buttery finish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to home cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) green beans, preferably haricot verts, trimmed
• 2 tbsps sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• ½ tsp sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Blanching Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and create an adjacent ice bath to preserve bean texture and color.
2. Bean Cooking: Immerse green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking process, maintaining crisp-tender quality.
3. Almond Toasting: Heat cast-iron skillet, evenly distribute almonds, and toast until golden brown, releasing rich nutty fragrance. Set aside toasted almonds.
4. Shallot Sauté: Reduce skillet temperature, add olive oil, and gently cook shallots with sea salt until translucent and soft.
5. Bean Integration: Introduce blanched green beans to shallot mixture, stirring consistently to ensure even heating and preserve optimal tenderness.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat, add freshly grated garlic and bright lemon juice. Toss ingredients thoroughly, seasoning with additional salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer green bean mixture to serving dish, crown with toasted almonds, and serve immediately while maintaining peak temperature and texture.

Notes

• Maximize Bean Freshness: Select vibrant, crisp green beans without blemishes or soft spots for best flavor and texture.
• Master Blanching Technique: Precisely time boiling to 2 minutes, ensuring beans remain bright green and retain satisfying crunch without becoming mushy.
• Toast Almonds Carefully: Watch nuts closely during toasting, as they can quickly burn; remove from heat when golden brown and fragrant to prevent bitter taste.
• Balance Seasoning Subtly: Use sea salt and black pepper sparingly, allowing natural green bean and almond flavors to shine through the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg