Explore the delightful simplicity of Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine, a recipe that brings together crisp green beans and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. This dish, inspired by Ree Drummond’s signature style, is perfect for elevating any meal with minimal effort. Ready in just about 15 minutes, it serves four as a vibrant and nutritious side, seamlessly complementing a variety of main courses.
Discovering Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine, a classic side dish also known as “haricots verts amandine,” traditionally features tender green beans beautifully enhanced with butter and a generous sprinkle of slivered almonds. The Pioneer Woman’s take on this elegant recipe infuses it with her beloved home-style charm, making it both approachable and irresistibly tasty. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create something truly special.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Effortless Elegance: Experience the perfect marriage of earthy green beans and nutty toasted almonds, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its simplicity.
- Versatile Culinary Companion: From weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this side dish pairs exquisitely with everything from hearty steaks to delicate seafood and poultry.
- Speedy Preparation: In under 15 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality side dish ready to serve, making it ideal for busy schedules and spontaneous meals.
- Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Green beans are packed with essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals, making this dish a healthy and delicious addition to your plate.
- Adaptable to Your Taste: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or citrus to create a signature side dish that perfectly complements your main course.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine
Before you begin, gather these fresh and simple ingredients:
- Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and ready to cook.
- Slivered Almonds: 1/2 cup, providing the signature nutty crunch.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted, for richness and flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced finely to infuse aromatic depth.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed, to brighten the flavors.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Green Beans Almondine Pioneer Woman Style
Follow these straightforward steps to create this delightful side dish:
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately drain the beans and set them aside to prevent further cooking. This step is crucial for maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
- Toast the Almonds to Perfection: Place the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and release their fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn them; toasting enhances their nutty flavor significantly. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté with Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This garlic-infused butter forms the flavorful base for the green beans.
- Combine and Season: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss them gently to coat evenly. Add the toasted almonds, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again to combine all the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine
Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Roasted Chicken: A classic and comforting combination. The savory notes of roasted chicken are beautifully complemented by the fresh, crisp green beans.
- Grilled Salmon or Seafood: For a lighter yet satisfying meal, serve these almondine green beans alongside grilled salmon, pan-seared cod, or shrimp. The lemon in the beans enhances the seafood perfectly.
- Beef Steak or Roast: Elevate your beef dishes by serving this vibrant side. The buttery, nutty flavors of the green beans cut through the richness of steak or beef roast, creating a balanced plate.
- Creamy Pasta Dishes: Add a healthy and flavorful side to creamy pasta like Alfredo or carbonara to balance the richness and add freshness to the meal.
- Holiday Dinners: Green Beans Almondine is an excellent addition to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, offering a sophisticated and delicious vegetable option.
Expert Tips for the Best Green Beans Almondine
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep a close watch on the almonds while toasting as they can quickly go from golden to burnt. Consistent stirring ensures even toasting and prevents burning.
- Balance Flavors to Your Preference: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to suit your personal taste. Start with the recipe amounts and adjust after tasting.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key to achieving the best texture and flavor. Choose beans that are firm, bright green, and snap easily.
- Quality Butter Matters: Opt for high-quality butter as it significantly contributes to the rich, delicious flavor of the dish. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely.
- Season Judiciously: Seasoning is crucial. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the natural flavors of the beans and almonds.
- Avoid Overcooking: The goal is tender-crisp green beans. Overcooking will make them mushy and lose their vibrant color. Blanching and a quick sauté are key to perfect texture.
Variations to Explore
Get creative with your Green Beans Almondine by trying these flavorful variations:
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch that complements the nutty almonds and fresh beans.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or chives over the finished dish for an added layer of herbal freshness and aroma.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty twist that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while sautéing for a subtle spicy kick.
- Cheese Crumbles: For a richer variation, consider crumbling feta cheese or goat cheese over the warm green beans just before serving.
Storing and Reheating Green Beans Almondine
Storing:
- Cool Completely First: Allow the Green Beans Almondine to cool down completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps them from becoming soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing odors.
- Refrigerate Promptly: For best quality, refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Reheating:
- Skillet Reheating is Best: Reheat Green Beans Almondine in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Microwaving can make them soggy.
- Add a Touch of Moisture: To refresh the dish during reheating, add a teaspoon of water or a small pat of butter to the skillet. This helps to prevent dryness and revive the buttery flavor.
- Heat Gently: Reheat just until warmed through, avoiding overcooking, which can further soften the beans and almonds.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should You Blanch Green Beans for Almondine?
Blanch green beans for 3-4 minutes in boiling water. This short cooking time ensures they retain a vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture, perfect for the final sauté.
Can You Make Green Beans Almondine Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare components of Green Beans Almondine in advance. Blanch the green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time, then store them separately. Just before serving, sauté the garlic in butter and combine all ingredients for the freshest taste and texture.
What Are Good Substitutes for Almonds in Green Beans Almondine?
If you have almond allergies or prefer other nuts, pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds are excellent substitutes. Each offers a unique flavor and satisfying crunch.
How Do You Store Leftover Green Beans Almondine?
Store leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or water to restore moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Pioneer Woman Green Beans Almondine is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something truly delightful. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for special occasions, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s approach to cooking and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this classic almondine recipe.
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Description
Green Beans Almondine, also known as “haricots verts amandine,” is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with butter and garnished with slivered almonds. The Pioneer Woman’s version brings a homely twist to this chic classic, incorporating her signature down-to-earth flair.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed
- Slivered Almonds: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet, toast the slivered almonds until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Ingredients: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for a minute before adding the green beans.
- Combine and Season: Toss the green beans in the skillet with the toasted almonds, drizzle with lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Green Beans: Ensure the beans are uniformly trimmed for even cooking.
- Almonds: Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish brings out their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, enhancing the freshness of the green beans.
- Seasoning: Season the dish right at the end of cooking to adjust the taste precisely to your liking.
