Steamed Green Beans with Almonds
Steamed Green Beans with Almonds is a simple yet elegant side dish that showcases the freshness of green beans with the richness of toasted almonds. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a versatile and healthy addition to your meals.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to have a slight crunch.
Drain the blanched green beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the slivered almonds to the skillet and sauté them until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them with the almonds and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the almond and garlic mixture.
Season the steamed green beans with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add some lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Serve:
Transfer the Steamed Green Beans with Almonds to a serving dish.
Serve them as a delightful and nutritious side dish.
Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
TIPS
Toasting the almonds adds a nutty flavor to the dish. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
You can customize the dish by adding other seasonings, such as crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 kcal (varies based on portion size)
- Carbohydrates: Around 5-7g
- Protein: About 3-4g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Fiber: About 2-3g
