How to Make Green Bean Almondine

Start with fresh string beans.

Green bean almondine is a refreshing change from regular vegetables boiled in water and dressed with a slab of butter. Green bean almondine is especially flavorful when you take the time to use fresh green beans. Buy your green beans at a local farmer's market or check out the fresh vegetables in the supermarket. If you grow your own beans, enjoy the taste of a green vegetable straight from the garden. Green bean almondine is easy and quick to make.

Things You'll Need

• 4 oz. of almonds (slivered is fine)
• 1 to 2 tbsp. of butter
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. of fresh green beans
• 1 tsp. of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Saute almonds in 1 to 2 tbsp. of butter. Be careful not to burn the almonds. Cook them until lightly browned. Keep the heat at medium low. Turn off the heat and set the almonds aside while you prepare the green beans.

2. Steam the green beans. The best way to eat fresh green beans is lightly cooked, so they are tender crisp and still have that green color. Place 1 to 2 inches of water in a pot. Place the steamer basket on top with the beans in the steamer. Cover the pot and steamer basket. Put the heat on medium and bring the water to a boil. Fresh green beans will be ready in 3 to 5 minutes, but test them while they are cooking.

3. Place the steamed beans in a bowl and add the lemon juice. Toss the beans.

4. Add the almonds to the green beans and toss. Finish off with salt and pepper. Your green bean almondine is now ready to eat.

Tips & Warnings

• Try soy sauce for an Asian flavor. Saute the almonds in olive oil instead of butter. Saute mushrooms and add to the beans and almonds.

• Avoid canned beans. They do not have the flavor of fresh beans.