Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine Recipe: Simple Elegance

Green beans almondine sparkles with elegant simplicity, transforming ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Crisp, vibrant green beans dance alongside toasted almonds, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Butter’s rich undertones complement the nutty crunch, while a bright citrus whisper elevates the entire dish.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe speaks to home cooks who crave restaurant-quality results.

Shallots add delicate depth, melding seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Preparing this side dish feels like a graceful kitchen performance that impresses without overwhelming.

The final result promises a memorable dining experience that will leave your guests wanting more:

Creative Twists on Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine

• Roasted Herb Infusion: Replace shallots with fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-style green bean experience. Roast almonds with dried herbs to enhance the nutty flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add minced ginger and red pepper flakes during shallot sautéing. Swap lemon juice for rice vinegar and garnish with sesame seeds instead of traditional almonds. Create a zesty, bold side dish that packs heat and complexity.
• Parmesan Crunch Edition: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the finished green beans. Toast panko breadcrumbs alongside almonds for an extra crispy texture. Incorporate garlic powder for deeper savory notes.
• Mediterranean Olive Blend: Mix in chopped Kalamata olives during the final tossing stage. Use extra virgin olive oil and add crumbled feta cheese on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, tangy variation that transports taste buds to Greece.

Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine: A Nutty, Elegant Side

Green Beans Almondine emerges as French culinary elegance meeting home kitchen simplicity.

Ina Garten’s recipe showcases how minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor profiles.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this side dish elevates any meal with its delicate balance of textures and tastes.

Crisp green beans glisten with buttery shallots and bright lemon undertones, while toasted almonds contribute delightful crunch.

Home chefs can confidently recreate this classic French technique with just seven straightforward steps.

Her method transforms humble vegetables into restaurant-worthy cuisine – guaranteed to impress dinner guests and spark conversations around beautiful, balanced side dishes.

You’ll find yourself craving these green beans after one delectable bite.

Scroll, share, comment – let culinary inspiration spark your next kitchen adventure!

Why Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine is the Ultimate Side Dish

• Brighten Up Your Plate: This green beans almondine recipe transforms simple vegetables into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy side dish that pops with color and flavor.
• Master Quick Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level culinary skills like blanching, toasting, and sautéing in just 20 minutes, making you feel like a confident home chef.
• Elevate Everyday Vegetables: Discover how simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and almonds can turn boring green beans into a delectable, crunchy, and zesty side that steals the show at any meal.
• Nutritious and Delightful: Enjoy a low-calorie dish packed with nutrients, offering a perfect balance of crisp green beans, nutty almonds, and bright citrus notes that will make your taste buds dance.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine

• Green Beans: Fresh, crisp vegetable that forms the main component of the dish, best when tender and bright green.
• Shallots: Delicate allium with mild flavor, adds subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the green beans.

• Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the green beans during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides a subtle heat and depth to the final dish.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor that complements the green beans and provides aromatic complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that adds freshness and helps balance the dish's richness.

• Almonds: Crunchy toasted nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor as a topping.
• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing, adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the pan.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Simultaneously, prepare a large bowl with ice water nearby for cooling the beans.

Step 2: Blanch Green Beans

Carefully drop green beans into boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes exactly. Quickly drain beans and immediately transfer them to the ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps beans crisp and bright green. Drain again and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Toast Crunchy Almonds

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and dry toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Almonds should turn a golden brown color. Remove almonds from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Fragrant Shallots

• Thinly sliced shallots
• Sea salt

Sauté for 2 minutes until shallots become soft and translucent.

Step 5: Warm Green Beans

Add blanched green beans to the skillet with shallots. Cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring gently. Beans should be heated through and tender but still maintain a slight crunch.

Step 6: Add Zesty Finishing Touches

• Freshly grated garlic
• Fresh lemon juice

Toss ingredients together. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer green beans to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine

• Sizzle Almonds Precisely: Toast nuts in a dry skillet until they release a rich, nutty aroma without burning edges.
• Protect Delicate Texture: Pat green beans completely dry after blanching to prevent steaming instead of creating a crisp sauté.
• Maximize Citrus Impact: Grate fresh lemon zest directly over the finished dish for bright, intense flavor that complements the earthy beans.
• Select Premium Produce: Choose vibrant, crisp green beans with a deep emerald color and firm snap when bent.
• Season Strategically: Sprinkle kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper sparingly to enhance the natural sweetness of the beans without overwhelming their delicate taste.

How to Keep Ina Garten’s Green Beans Almondine Fresh

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for green beans. Remove excess air completely, preventing moisture and freezer burn. This method extends refrigeration life up to five days, keeping beans crisp and flavorful.
• Portion Control: Divide green beans into single-serving containers before storing. Use clear, stackable glass containers for easy visibility and space-saving organization. Smaller portions prevent unnecessary reheating and maintain optimal texture.
• Quick Cooling: Spread green beans on a flat baking sheet immediately after cooking. Rapid cooling prevents overcooking and preserves vibrant green color. Place in the refrigerator uncovered for 15-20 minutes before transferring to storage containers, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor retention.

Ina Garten Green Beans Almondine Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Green Beans Almondine from Ina Garten elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish. Crisp green beans meet toasted almonds in a buttery embrace, promising a delectable companion to any main course you’ll savor with delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) green beans, preferably haricot verts, trimmed

Topping and Nuts:

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate water preparation by filling a large pot with water, generously seasoning with salt, and bringing to a rolling boil. Simultaneously, create an ice bath in a separate bowl to halt cooking process.
2. Carefully submerge green beans into vigorously boiling water for precisely 120 seconds, ensuring crisp-tender texture. Swiftly transfer beans using tongs or slotted spoon directly into ice water to preserve vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
3. Drain blanched green beans completely and pat dry using clean kitchen towels, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
4. Select a cast-iron skillet and heat over medium flame. Distribute raw almonds evenly across dry surface, gently toasting for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown complexion and releasing nutty aromatics. Remove toasted almonds and reserve.
5. Reduce skillet temperature, introducing olive oil and thinly sliced shallots. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, sautéing until shallots become translucent and delicately softened.
6. Incorporate dried green beans into shallot mixture, stirring consistently for 2-4 minutes to ensure uniform heating and maintaining optimal tenderness.
7. Extinguish heat source, introducing freshly grated garlic and bright lemon juice. Thoroughly toss ingredients, seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to preference.
8. Transfer aromatic green bean mixture to elegant serving vessel, garnishing with previously toasted almonds. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Impress dinner guests with a sophisticated French-inspired side dish that transforms humble green beans into a culinary showstopper.
• Blanching technique guarantees beans maintain their vibrant emerald color and satisfying crunch, preventing the dreaded mushy vegetable syndrome.
• Dry-pan toasted almonds unleash an irresistible nutty aroma and provide a delightful textural contrast against the tender green beans.
• Select premium green beans with a glossy, unblemished surface to ensure a picture-perfect and delicious final presentation.
• Zesty lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the rich nuttiness and adding a refreshing citrus spark.
• Delicate shallots infuse subtle complexity without overpowering the natural green bean flavor, elevating the entire culinary experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 103 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg