Green Beans Almondine is an easy low carb side of crisp-tender green beans coated in a simple sauce of butter, lemon juice, and toasted almonds.
Hi friends, I am happy to say that I am getting caught up on the blog and in my life after a shaky start this January. One thing that has helped me do this is getting back to basic cooking the last several weeks. What I mean is preparing simple meals for dinner with super simple low carb sides like Green Bean Mushroom Saute, Heirloom Tomato and Asparagus Salad and this Green Beans Almondine.
What is Green Beans Almondine you ask? Oh boy, Iโm really dating myself with this oneโฆ Green Beans Almondine is simply green beans dressed in butter, almonds, and a squeeze of lemon. Sometimes I add garlic or shallots to the beans, but itโs good without, too. This is a side dish my mom used to serve us in the โ70โs and itโs something Iโve made at home for over 20 years.
I donโt know about you, but we eat green beans a lot at my house. Green beans are the perfect low carb keto side because they are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber. In fact, 1 cup of raw green beans (4 ounces) has 8 grams total carbs and 4 grams fiber for a net carb count of 4 grams. And, they go with everything like the easy Parmesan crusted pork chops I posted last week. Seriously, yum!
Green Beans Almondine may sound like a fancy and complicated side to prepare, but it couldnโt be easier. Many recipes will call for parboiling the green beans in hot water and then plunging them into cold water to stop further cooking. I prefer to use my microwave to lightly steam the green beans instead. Then, I uncover the beans and continue with the recipe.
A pound of trimmed fresh green beans will feed 4-6 people. I leave the tails on the beans and like to cut my beans on the bias (at an angle) to look fancy. I just wash the beans and lay 6-8 green beans side by side on the cutting board, even them up at the โtailโ end, and start cutting on the bias all the way to the vine end, which I toss out. I put the green beans into a microwave safe glass dish, add 1 tablespoon of water, over and steam. The rest of the dish happens in a saute pan.
Add 4 tablespoons of butter (or ghee) and 1/4 cup of sliced or slivered almonds to a saute pan. Cook over medium heat until the almonds begin to brown, immediately add the green beans (and garlic or shallot if using) and toss to coat. Squeeze lemon juice over the top, season with salt and pepper and serve.
See, it couldnโt be easier and itโs always a hit. So, if you want to kick it up some night at dinner or fancy up a simple entre, opt for this easy low carb side of Green Beans Almondine and youโll be happy you did.
Each serving of Green Beans Almondine is 4 net carbs.
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
- 1 pound trimmed green beans
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flaked or slivered almonds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional (either, not both)
- 1 tbsp shallots, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preparation: Wash and trim the green beans, cutting on the bias (at an angle) for a pleasing look. If using garlic or shallots, mince. Roll the lemon on the counter to make squeezing easier.
- Beans: (microwave) Place the green beans into a microwave safe dish with 1-2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling wrap. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until almost crisp-tender; the time will depend on your microwave. Drain the water and stir. Leave uncovered to release steam.
- (traditional method) Bring a pot of water to the boil and have a large bowl of ice water standing by. When water is boiling, add the green beans and cook until crisp-tender and bright green. Drain the beans and plunge immediately into the ice water to stop cooking. Drain and dry them a bit.
- Place a large saute pan over medium heat and add the butter and almonds. Cook until the almonds just begin to brown. (If using shallots or garlic, add now and stir until fragrant.) Immediately add the green beans and stir to coat in the butter. Warm the beans all of the way through, then squeeze the lemon juice over all. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Made these last night and tonight. Very easy and delicious.
Fresh green beans can’t be beaten. Add 1/2 tsp of baking soda to the boiling water before plunging in the beans for a bright green color! Do this trick with broccoli too.
These beans look so delicious!
Thank you Bethany! -Kim
Such a classic dish. We love green beans. I’ll need to add this to my meal plan!
What a great way to serve green beans! I love how quickly this can be pulled together too, perfect for a busy weeknight!
This is simplicity at its best, Kim. We love beans over here, and I’ll try adding the lemon juice next time. I sometimes use a bit of lemon zest and garlic on beans, which also tastes nice.
I love green beans almondine. It is one of the only ways I will eat green beans. I always make it on Thanksgiving. I will have to try your recipe next time I make it. I love almondine on fish too :)
Oh, Stacey, I bet it is good on fish. Great idea. -Kim
I’m so glad things are getting back to normal for you! These green beans look amazing – one of my favorite vegetables!
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much. :) It’s good to be back. -Kim
This looks super easy AND super tasty – thanks for the recipe!