When it comes to the side food, beans usually receive a bad rep. A lot of us can remember boring, soggy versions of our childhood meals, buried under a thin layer of bland cheese sauce or swathed in a sea of overcooked water. Let me present to you an exciting new recipe that is the most delicious Ever Green Beans recipe. This recipe transforms the humble green beans into an enticing tasty and flavorful side dish that can enhance any meal.

Imagine succulent, crisp green beans that are cooked to perfection, then tossed with almonds that are toasty and buttery, an energizing squeeze of lemon. It’s delicious, fresh, and elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, or looking to spice up your weekly meals, this recipe will be certain to impress. Let’s get into the details!

Vibrant green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with toasted almonds, served on a white plate

Best Green Beans Ever

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Best Ever Green Beans Description This delicious side dish is cooked in a skillet and features green beans, tossed in sweet almonds toasted in butter and a touch of lemon making it simple and sophisticated.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter that is unsalted
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup shallot thinly cut
1 pound haricots verds or slender green beans, trimming
2 tablespoons juice of a lemon to taste
1 cup water to be divided
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt to taste
Freshly crushed black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pan over moderately low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add chopped almonds.
Toasting the almonds Cook the almonds and stir continuously using a heatproof spatula until the butter starts to turn brown and the almonds are golden, which takes 7 to 8 minutes.
Include Shallots Add the thinly cut shallot and cook for another minute, continuously stirring. This will give the butter with a savory, rich taste.
Combine ingredients Add lemon juice as well as 1 cup of almonds to the mixture and stir until the liquid becomes slightly thicker around 1 minute.
The Green Beans In that same pan, place the green beans that have been cut along with half a cup more of the water and a teaspoon of salt. Cover the pan and cook on moderate heat, stirring often until beans have become tender, which is about nine to ten minutes.
End cooking Take off the lid and cook on moderate-high heat until the liquid is evaporated, which takes about 2-to-4 minutes.
Toss and serve Remove the skillet from the flame Add the almond mixture to the skillet and mix until it is all mixed. Sprinkle with salt as well as freshly grind black pepper according to your preference. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is easily multiplied to accommodate larger gatherings. If you are cooking for a large group make sure to use a big Dutch oven to hold the beans that are left over.
If you want to avoid dairy alternative to butter, use extra-virgin olive oils or a vegan butter substitute.

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Equipment Needed

Large, lidded skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula that is heatproof
Cups and spoons for measuring cups
Cutting board and knife

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick The best Ever Green Beans recipe is only 30 minutes from beginning to end which makes it ideal for a dinner that you can cook on the weekend.
Elegant presentation A combination of green beans with almonds that have been toasted creates an appealing dish that is perfect anywhere on the table.
Flexible Pairing This Great ever Green Beans go well with a variety of main meals including roasted meats, to vegetarian options.
Delicious Ingredients packed with minerals and vitamins green beans are a nutritious ingredient to add to your food.
Flexible You can modify the flavor of the recipe to suit your tastes, whether you’d like extra lemon zest, or extra spices.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

green Beans: Although the haricots verts variety is preferred due to their soft texture however, regular green beans can are equally effective. Also, you can utilize frozen green beans when fresh ones aren’t readily available.
Almonds If you’re not an advocate of almonds you might want to try the chopped nuts or pecans to create an alternative nutty taste.
Butter for a dairy-free butter, replace the butter that is not salted using olive oil an organic butter.
Shallots If shallots aren’t in the cupboard finely chopped onions could be substituted however they’ll impart some slight differences in taste.

How to Make Best Ever Green Beans (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Begin by placing the skillet on a medium-low flame. Add 2 tablespoons of butter unflavored and allow it to melt completely. This will give you a rich foundation for the green beans as well as an almonds.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

After the butter has melt Add 1 cup cut almonds. Cook continuously stirring for approximately 7 to 8 mins until the almonds are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. The toasted almonds will provide an amazing crunch and taste to the dish.

Step 3: Add Shallots

After the almonds have cooked, mix in 1 cup thinly cut shallots. They will begin to soften, and caramelize little giving the sweet onion taste to the dish. Keep stirring for approximately an hour.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Then, add two teaspoons lemon juice as well as one tablespoon water into the pan. Mix the ingredients until it becomes slightly thicker, which will take around an hour. This process blends all the flavors and creates a rich sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Green Beans

It’s time to create the main ingredient in the meal. Add 1 pound cleaned green beans, half cup water and a teaspoon of salt in a fine skillet. Cover the skillet and cook on moderate heat, stirring frequently. Let the beans cook for 9 to 10 minutes or until they’re nearly soft.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Once the beans have been simmered, take out the lid. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and cook until the liquid is gone in about approximately 2 to 4 mins. This ensures that the beans are tender and fresh green.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

On the off-heat, put the almonds and shallot mixture into the skillet. Mix everything up until it is all combined. Check the seasoning, and adjust with salt, and fresh black pepper, if you require. Serve warm and take pleasure in the delicious flavor!

Expert Tips for Success

Be patient while toasting Almonds and shallots: Toasting the shallots and almonds takes time but the heft of flavor it imparts is well worth the waiting. Make sure to stir them regularly so that they don’t get burned.
Adjust cooking times Depending on the size of your green beans, you might need to adjust the cooking times by a little. You want a bright green color as well as a soft-crisp texture.
Make use of fresh ingredients The more fresh your ingredients are, the better your meal will taste. Find bright vegetables like fresh green beans or shallots when you go to the market.

Variations and Customizations

Incorporate Garlic for an additional layer of flavor, you can add minced garlic to the shallots. Garlic compliments the green beans wonderfully.
A Spicy Twist If you like some heat you might want to add a dash of crushed red pepper before roasting your almonds.
Herb infusion Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can add a pop of color to the food. Mix in some chopped herbs right before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage The leftovers from the Green Beans from the Best Ever can be kept inside an airtight container inside the refrigerator for upto 4 days.
Reheating to reheat: simply heat them in a large skillet on a low heat until they are heated to. This will preserve their texture and taste. Avoid microwaving, as this could cause them to become soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These Best Green Beans are a great side dish for a variety main food items. Serve them with roasted chicken, grilled fish or a hearty vegetable pasta. To make a full meal, serve them with a fresh salad or a crusty loaf for soaking up the leftover lemon butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does a world-class chef prepare their signature green beans?
Fresh green beans get the star treatment in this professional method. Start by blanching them briefly in well-salted boiling water until bright green, then shock in ice water to maintain crispness. Next, sauté quickly in a screaming hot pan with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of butter. Finish with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. This technique, perfect for an elegant dinner side dish, preserves the beans’ natural sweetness while adding rich flavor.

Which variety of green beans offers the most remarkable flavor?
The French haricots verts stand out for their exceptional taste and texture. These slim, tender beans offer a more concentrated flavor than standard varieties. The Blue Lake variety is another top contender, known for its sweet, crisp bite. Perfect for lunch menus, these premium beans hold their shape well during cooking while delivering superior taste. Kentucky Wonder beans are prized for their rich, traditional bean flavor.

What techniques enhance the natural flavor of green beans?
Several key methods can elevate green beans from ordinary to extraordinary. Proper seasoning is crucial – salt the cooking water generously. Garlic, shallots, or onions add aromatic depth. A splash of acid like lemon juice or vinegar brightens the flavor. The cooking method matters too – avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness. For breakfast prep, blanching ahead and reheating quickly preserves their fresh taste.

Which regions produce exceptional quality green beans?
The finest green beans come from areas with ideal growing conditions. Kenya’s highlands produce exceptional beans thanks to rich soil and perfect climate. In the United States, California’s Central Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley are renowned for quality. France’s Loire Valley grows the coveted haricots verts, while Turkey’s Mediterranean coast produces impressive yields. These regions combine optimal soil conditions, climate, and growing expertise.

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The Most Delicious Ever Green Beans recipe is a gorgeous yet simple side dish that is worthy of the place at the table for dinner. With its buttery almonds and lemony zest This recipe isn’t only tasty, but it is also simple to make. For a quick and easy dinner or for a special occasion these green beans will delight your friends and family alike. Gather your ingredients and make this recipe for yourself. You will not be disappointed! Take pleasure in the fresh, bright flavor that makes this recipe an essential ingredient in any kitchen.