Green Beans Almondine, also known as Green Beans Amandine, is a classic French-style side dish made with tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, and a hint of fresh lemon. It looks elegant on the table but is very easy to prepare, even for beginners. The name may appear with two spellings almondine and amandine but both refer to the same delicious recipe, so you can use either with confidence.
This dish is popular because it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly while still tasting restaurant-quality. It’s a perfect choice for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. If you want an easy, elegant, and holiday-ready side dish that everyone will enjoy, green beans almondine is a timeless favorite.
What Is Green Beans Almondine (or Amandine)
Green Beans Almondine, also called Green Beans Amandine, is a simple yet elegant vegetable side dish made with green beans, butter, and toasted almonds. The green beans are usually cooked until tender-crisp, then tossed in buttery almond sauce with light seasoning and sometimes a touch of lemon for freshness.
This dish is considered a classic French preparation because the term amandine comes from the French word amande, meaning almonds. French cooking often uses this style to highlight natural flavors without heavy sauces.
Green beans almondine is especially popular for holiday dinners and special occasions because it looks beautiful, tastes rich, and pairs well with many main dishes. At the same time, it’s easy enough for everyday meals, which makes it a timeless favorite.
Almondine vs Amandine
The short answer is no there is no real difference between almondine and amandine. Both words describe the same classic dish made with butter and almonds.
The term amandine comes from the French word amande, which means almond. In traditional French cuisine, amandine is used to describe foods cooked or served with almonds, such as green beans amandine or fish amandine.
The spelling almondine is the Americanized version of the word. Over time, English-speaking cooks adapted the French term to match the word “almond,” making it easier to recognize and pronounce.
Quick Green Beans Almondine Amandine Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Highlights:
- Fresh green beans or haricots verts
- Slivered or sliced almonds
- Butter (or olive oil for lighter version)
- Garlic or shallots
- Lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs
Quick Steps:
- Blanch green beans: Boil 2–3 min, then shock in ice water.
- Toast almonds: Heat in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.
- Sauté beans: Melt butter, cook garlic/shallots, toss in beans.
- Combine & season: Add almonds, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy crisp, tender, and buttery green beans perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Best Green Beans to Use
Choosing the right green beans is key to making perfect Green Beans Almondine (Amandine).
1. Fresh Green Beans:
- Fresh beans are the best choice for crisp-tender texture and bright green color.
- Look for beans that are firm, smooth, and snap easily.
- They cook quickly and hold up well when sautéed with butter and almonds.
2. Frozen Green Beans:
- Frozen beans can be a convenient option, especially when fresh aren’t available.
- To adapt, blanch or steam briefly before sautéing to prevent sogginess.
- Frozen beans may cook faster, so keep an eye on texture to stay tender-crisp.
3. Haricots Verts vs Regular Green Beans:
- Haricots verts are thinner and more delicate, giving a more elegant presentation.
- Regular green beans are slightly thicker and hold up well in larger batches.
- Both work beautifully in almondine; it’s mostly a matter of preference and presentation.
Using the right beans ensures your dish is vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
Pro Tips for Perfect Almondine Every Time
Making Green Beans Almondine (Amandine) that looks vibrant and tastes amazing is easier when you follow a few simple pro tips:
1. Keep Beans Bright Green:
- Always blanch the beans in salted boiling water, then immediately shock them in ice water.
- This stops the cooking process and preserves their fresh, vibrant color.
2. Avoid Soggy or Oily Beans:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing; beans need space to cook evenly.
- Use just enough butter or oil to coat them lightly too much will make them greasy.
3. Control Butter Browning:
- Melt butter over medium heat, watching carefully.
- If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
- For extra flavor without burning, you can combine butter and a little olive oil.
Following these tips ensures your almondine is crisp, flavorful, and visually appealing every time.
Variations You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Green Beans Almondine (Amandine), it’s fun to experiment with a few delicious variations to suit different tastes and occasions:
1. Garlic Green Beans Almondine:
- Add minced garlic while sautéing for a fragrant, savory twist.
- Pairs beautifully with chicken or fish.
2. Lemon Brown Butter Almondine:
- Cook the butter until it turns golden brown before tossing with the beans and almonds.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice for a rich, nutty flavor with bright citrus notes.
3. Roasted Green Beans Almondine:
- Roast the beans in the oven with olive oil, almonds, and seasonings for a slightly crispy, caramelized texture.
4. Bacon Almondine (Optional Indulgent Version):
- Add crispy bacon pieces for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Works wonderfully for holiday dinners or special occasions.
These variations let you customize your almondine while keeping the tender, buttery, and nutty essence of the classic recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
Green Beans Almondine (Amandine) is not only quick to make but can also be prepped ahead with the right approach.
1. How Far in Advance You Can Prep:
- You can blanch the green beans and toast the almonds a day ahead.
- Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain color and texture.
- Combine with butter and seasonings just before serving for the freshest taste.
2. Best Reheating Methods:
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, tossing frequently.
- Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can make the beans soft and mushy.
- Add a small knob of butter or a squeeze of lemon to revive flavor and brightness.
3. What Not to Freeze:
- Avoid freezing fully prepared almondine, as butter and almonds can separate and the beans can become watery.
- If needed, freeze blanched green beans only, then assemble the dish fresh after thawing.
Following these tips ensures your almondine stays crisp, flavorful, and elegant even when made ahead for holidays or busy weeknights.
What to Serve with Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine (Amandine) is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. It complements roasted chicken, seared fish, or a juicy steak, adding a fresh, nutty, and buttery element to the meal. The crisp-tender beans and toasted almonds provide both flavor and texture, making it a perfect accompaniment to rich proteins.
This dish also shines on holiday tables, fitting seamlessly into Thanksgiving or Christmas menus. It balances heavier, festive dishes like roasted turkey or prime rib while adding elegance and color to the plate. With its simple yet sophisticated flavor, green beans almondine is a side that can elevate any dinner, whether for everyday meals or special occasions.
Health & Dietary Notes
Green Beans Almondine (Amandine) can be a healthy addition to your meals when prepared thoughtfully. The dish is naturally low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh green beans, while the almonds add heart-healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
For those following vegan or dairy-free diets, you can replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter without losing flavor. This keeps the beans tender and nutty while making the recipe plant-based.
If you’re on a keto or low-carb plan, green beans almondine is an excellent choice because it is low in carbohydrates while providing healthy fats from almonds and butter or oil. With these simple swaps and adjustments, this classic French side can fit a variety of dietary needs without compromising taste or elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does almondine mean?
The term almondine comes from the French word amande, which means almond. In cooking, it refers to a dish that is cooked or served with toasted almonds, like our classic green beans almondine.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Blanch or steam them briefly before sautéing to ensure they stay tender-crisp and maintain their bright green color.
Can I make it without butter?
Absolutely. You can use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for a lighter or dairy-free version. The flavor will still be rich, especially when combined with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon.
Why are my almonds burning?
Almonds toast very quickly and can go from golden to bitter in seconds. To prevent burning, toast over medium heat while stirring constantly and remove them as soon as they turn light golden.
How do I keep green beans bright green?
To maintain vibrant color, blanch the beans in boiling salted water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the beans crisp and visually appealing.
Conclusion
Whether you call it Green Beans Almondine or Green Beans Amandine, the dish is the same simple, elegant, and delicious side that fits perfectly on any table. Its combination of tender green beans, buttery almonds, and a touch of lemon makes it both easy to prepare and visually appealing.
This classic French-inspired recipe works for everyday dinners as well as holiday feasts, proving that a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations or dietary swaps, no matter how you serve it, green beans almondine is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that brings flavor, color, and elegance to every meal.
