Green beans and almonds are a fast and healthy side dish. Sautéed with garlic, onions, orange juice, and crunchy nuts.
Recipe Science
- Blanching green beans involves briefly cooking them in boiling hot water to soften the pectin and starches in the cell walls.
- The quick exposure to boiling water stops polyphenyloxidase enzyme activity that causes green beans to lose color and texture.
- An ice water bath preserves the beans’ bright green color and crisp texture by rapidly cooling them.
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Why It Works
Have you ever been disappointed by mushy, dull, overcooked green beans? Learning how to cook green beans just right is crucial, especially since they’re the star of this dish. They require close attention to cooking time to maintain a beautiful bright green color and crunchy texture. I created this citrus green beans with almonds recipe to keep things simple, fresh, and flavorful. It’s inspired by my classic green beans almondine recipe.
In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant side dish perfect for holidays or weeknights. The key is quick cooking by blanching in boiling water, which preserves the beans’ crisp-tender texture and bright color. This simple recipe is designed to make your mealtime easy and enjoyable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beans: Green beans and haricot verts are perfect for blanching due to their firm texture, quick cooking time, and ability to retain crispness while absorbing flavors. Haricot verts, being thinner, cook even faster for a tender yet slightly crisp result.
- Olive Oil: The oil is used to saute the fresh onions and garlic. It adds a nice fruity flavor to the green beans.
- Alliums: Sautéed red onions and garlic add a subtle savory depth to the green beans, balancing their freshness with mild sweetness and aromatic richness.
- Citrus: The orange zest adds a fresh, bright flavor, while the orange juice provides a subtle sweetness and acidity that complements the beans.
- Nuts: Sliced almonds add a crunchy texture contrast to the dish.
See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).
Ingredient Substitutions
This green bean recipe is easy to customize! Try these delicious options:
- Using Frozen Green Beans: Boil them in the hot water without defrosting. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add Lemon: Try tangy lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest instead of orange.
- Oil Swaps: Try coconut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Add richness to the beans with butter.
- Onion Substitutes: Use other types of onion, such as mild yellow onion, shallots, green onions, or chives.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Pepitas or roasted pumpkin seeds add extra crunch.
How to Make Green Beans and Almonds
Step 1: Blanch the Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Blanch the green beans until tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. This brief cooking process ensures the beans maintain their structure and color without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Chill the Beans
Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Once the green beans are blanched, immediately drain them and transfer them to the ice water. Let the beans chill for at least 5 minutes to ensure they stop cooking, then drain.
Ingredient Chemistry: This process, known as “blanch and shocking,” halts the cooking and locks in the bright green color by rapidly lowering the beans’ temperature. This step helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents them from becoming overcooked.
Step 3: Cook the Alliums
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become tender and translucent.
Be mindful not to let the garlic burn; it can develop a bitter flavor if overheated. This step helps release the aromatic compounds in the onions and garlic, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Seasonings
Add the green beans to the skillet and stir them well to coat with the sautéed onions and garlic. Next, add the orange zest, juice, salt, and pepper. Sauté the mixture, allowing the beans to absorb the citrus flavor.
Step 5: To Serve
Once the green beans are perfectly seasoned, transfer them to a serving dish. Top with almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the citrus and garlic.
Pro Tip: Try toasting the almonds to release their oils, making them more fragrant and flavorful while adding a satisfying crunch that complements the tender green beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important thing to remember when successfully cooking tender, crisp, and bright green beans is the three words “blanch and shock.” Blanching and cooling are techniques for any green vegetable to preserve color and texture.
Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or spicy cayenne. Add Italian seasoning for a concentrated herbaceous note. Stir in crispy chopped bacon or pancetta. Add citrus like lemon or orange juice. Combine with other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Serve This With
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Green Beans and Almonds
Ingredients
- 4 quarts water, divided
- 1 ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 pound green beans, or haricot verts
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup sliced red onion, ¼" thick
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
Instructions
- Blanch the Beans – Add 3 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a large pot. Heat over high heat until boiling. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes.
- Chill the Beans – Add 1 quart of water and ice to a large bowl. Drain the beans and transfer them to the ice water. Chill in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Cook the Alliums – Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes or until tender, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Beans and Seasonings – Add the green beans to the pan and stir. Add orange zest and juice, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and sauté for 2 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper as desired.
- To Serve – Serve beans topped with almonds.
Notes
- Toast the Almonds: For a more fragrant topping, toast the almonds in a pan over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally until lightly golden brown.
- Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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