Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious side dish to elevate your weeknight dinners? Look no further! This oven-baked Green Bean Almondine recipe is a game-changer. Forget the tedious sautéing; this method delivers perfectly crisp-tender green beans with a nutty, buttery almond crunch in a fraction of the time. It's a simple recipe perfect for even the busiest weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. You can snap them off easily by bending the bean until it naturally breaks.
Step 2: Roast the Green Beans
Toss the green beans with 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly browned.
Step 3: Sauté the Almonds and Garlic
While the green beans are roasting, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the slivered almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the green beans are cooked, remove them from the oven. Add the almond mixture to the baking sheet and toss gently to combine. Stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish. This easy recipe makes it a perfect addition to any meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Bean Almondine:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the green beans are in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your green beans and your oven. Check for doneness at 15 minutes and adjust accordingly.
- Toast the almonds beforehand: For extra flavour and crunch, toast the almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the butter and garlic.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavour profile.
Variations:
- Lemon-Garlic Green Bean Almondine: Increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons for a zestier flavour.
- Spicy Green Bean Almondine: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the almond mixture for a touch of heat.
- Parmesan Green Bean Almondine: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for extra richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a quick and healthy side dish option. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. Approximate values per serving are:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This oven-baked Green Bean Almondine recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking solutions. Enjoy!