Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

A Simple Delight: Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts is a dish that truly makes my heart sing. Every time I prepare Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. The process begins with blanching the green beans until they’re a vibrant green, then toasting almonds to perfection in a hot skillet. This combination of textures and flavors makes the Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts not just a side dish, but a celebration of fresh, healthy eating.

The Skillet Magic

The magic happens in the skillet. As the shallots sauté in olive oil, their sweet aroma fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the green beans. Adding the blanched beans to the pan, I toss them with grated garlic and a splash of lemon juice, creating a lively contrast of flavors. The toasted almonds are then sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch. This step is what really elevates the Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts from a simple vegetable dish to something memorable.

Plating Perfection

As I plate the Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts, I can’t help but admire the beautiful, glossy green beans and the golden-brown nuts that glisten against the vibrant backdrop. The final touch of freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned and refreshing. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering, and it always receives rave reviews from family and friends.

A Recipe for Success

In the end, Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The crispness of the green beans, the rich flavor of the toasted almonds, and the zing of lemon juice combine to make a dish that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy.

Chef’s Notes- Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

• Blanching Tips: Blanching the green beans briefly helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Make sure to immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their bright green hue.
• Nuts Toasting: Keep a close eye on the nuts while toasting, as they can burn quickly. Stir them frequently to ensure even browning and to release their natural oils, which enhances their flavor.
• Garlic Addition: Adding the garlic at the very end, off the heat, ensures it doesn’t burn and turn bitter. The residual heat of the pan will gently cook the garlic, releasing its aroma and flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Shallot Substitution: If using a stronger onion like red onion, you might want to sauté it a little longer to mellow its flavor. Green onions can be added at the end for a milder, fresh taste.
• Lemon Juice: Add the lemon juice at the very end, off the heat, to keep its flavor bright and fresh. Heating lemon juice can make it taste bitter.
• Al Dente Beans: If you prefer your green beans to be slightly crispier, reduce the blanching time to 1 minute. This will give them a firmer texture.
• Prep Ahead: You can blanch the green beans and toast the nuts ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and just reheat in the skillet when ready to serve.

Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

Course: Side DishCuisine: American, FrenchDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

This Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts recipe is a delightful way to elevate your green beans. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and absolutely mouthwatering. The crunchy toasted nuts perfectly complement the tender green beans, while a splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing. This dish is sure to impress at any meal!

Ingredients

• Green Beans

• 12 ounces fresh green beans (preferably haricot verts) ends trimmed

• Toasted Nuts

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

• Sauté Base

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 shallot thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for seasoning)

• Flavor Enhancers

• 1 garlic clove finely grated

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Alternative Ingredients:

• Green Beans: Asparagus spears or snap peas can be used instead of green beans.

• Almonds: Substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans.

• Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as an alternative.

• Shallot: Replace with a small red onion or a few green onions.

• Sea Salt: Kosher salt or Himalayan pink salt can be used.

• Garlic Clove: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic.

• Lemon Juice: Lime juice or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.

Directions

• Blanching Green Beans – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and prepare a large bowl of ice water nearby. Drop the trimmed green beans into the boiling water and blanch for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green. Immediately drain and transfer them to the ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a towel.
• Toasting Nuts – Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the dry skillet and toast them until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the toasted almonds from the skillet and set them aside.
• Sautéing Aromatics – In the same skillet, add the extra-virgin olive oil and reduce the heat if necessary. Add the thinly sliced shallot and sea salt; sauté for about 2 minutes until the shallot becomes translucent.
• Cooking Green Beans – Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 2-4 minutes until they are warmed through and tender.
• Finishing Touches – Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated garlic and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together to combine well. Season with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serving – Transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• cast iron skillet
• colander
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Potassium: 200mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 15IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 4mg
• Iron: 6mg

FAQs- Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Nuts

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them before blanching, or skip the blanching step and directly sauté them in the skillet until they’re warmed through and tender.

What other nuts can I use if I don’t have almonds?

Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts work well in this recipe. Just make sure to toast them until they’re fragrant and slightly browned.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beans and toast the nuts in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the texture of the nuts.

How do I keep the green beans from turning mushy?

To keep the green beans from getting mushy, don’t overcook them during the blanching step. A quick 2-minute blanch in boiling water followed by an ice bath will keep them crisp.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or even asparagus can be added for extra color and flavor. Just adjust the sautéing time based on the vegetable.