Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your dinner guests swooning with every bite! This Brown Butter Green Bean Almondine isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that marries the nutty richness of brown butter, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the vibrant freshness of perfectly cooked green beans. Get ready to turn a simple vegetable into the star of your meal that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough ends, cutting them into roughly uniform lengths to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water and set up a separate bowl of ice water for blanching the green beans.
- Carefully drop the green beans into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender, maintaining their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the green beans from the boiling water to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their texture and color.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to foam and then turn a golden brown color, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the sliced almonds to the brown butter and toast them until they become golden and fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Drain the green beans from the ice water and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Add the green beans to the skillet with brown butter, almonds, and garlic, tossing gently to coat evenly and heat through.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring all beans are well-seasoned.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional toasted almonds if desired, serving immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always blanch your green beans to maintain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture. The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process.
- When browning butter, watch it carefully—the line between perfectly golden and burnt is thin. Look for a golden amber color and nutty aroma.
- Toast almonds separately first to ensure they're evenly golden and prevent burning them with the garlic.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Pat green beans completely dry before adding to the skillet to prevent splattering and ensure they get a nice light sear.
- Season generously but taste as you go—the butter and almonds already add significant flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
