Looking for a side dish that will steal the show at your next dinner gathering? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds! This delightful recipe combines tender green beans, sweet caramelized shallots, and crunchy toasted almonds for a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on the main course. Get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering side that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup shallots, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough ends using a sharp knife. Pat the beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Peel and slice the shallots into thin, uniform rings. Set aside.
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the trimmed green beans into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Scatter the sliced shallots over the green beans, ensuring they are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the beans and shallots, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the green beans to become tender and the shallots to caramelize.
- About 15 minutes before serving, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the green beans are tender and cooked through, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the green beans and shallots, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, ensuring each serving gets a mix of green beans, shallots, and toasted almonds.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Green Beans: For the best flavor and texture, select bright green, firm beans. Avoid any that appear wilted or have brown spots.
- Slice Shallots Evenly: Uniform slices ensure that the shallots cook evenly and caramelize beautifully, enhancing their sweetness.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the almonds right before serving brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the salt and pepper to your taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra flavor boost.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply store the cooked green beans and shallots in the refrigerator, then reheat and add the toasted almonds just before serving for a quick and easy side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 125kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
