This Green Beans Almondine recipe is the perfect side to any meal. These green beans are flavorful with caramelized shallot, crunchy almonds, and a touch of grass-fed butter. Salty, fresh, and super satisfying.
My mother-in-law was visiting one time and made the BEST green beans. They were something simple, made with almonds and shallot and a decent whack of salt. I was skeptical because I like my beans blistered in the oven, but one taste of these green beans, and I was hooked.
Little to my knowledge this is totally a thing. Green beans almondine! And, it is the best. This is my version of green beans almondine with Whole 30 and paleo-friendly options.
What is Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine originated in France. It contains fresh beans, butter, and almonds. Some variations have olive oil and/or lemon juice too. It is a light, vibrant side dish that goes well with almost any entrée.
Benefits of Grass-Fed Dairy
Grass-fed dairy is one of those higher-end foods that I am constantly advocating for. It usually only costs a quarter or two more but the benefits are worth it! When buying full-fat dairy products grass-fed, pasture-raised is a must!
Grass-fed dairy is a dense source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, E and K2. Vitamin A is important for skin, vision, reproductive and immune system health. Antioxidant vitamin E helps support the reduction of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin K2 supports bone and cardiovascular health, and is not found in high quantities in grain-fed cattle.
The important benefit of K2 in conjunction with calcium is that it increases the utilization and binding of this mineral. Excessive calcium that is not utilized in the body has been shown to cause calcification of the soft tissue, including arteries. Because K2 activates calcium-binding proteins, it prevents excess calcium from floating around in the bloodstream.
In addition, this type of dairy is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in pro-inflammatory omega-6s.
Get the grass-fed butter!
Ingredient Notes
- Shallot - I used to think you can just substitute onion for shallot. Like, I actually learned that in school! I mean maybe, if you are in a pinch, okay, but for best results use the shallot! It is SO much better. Shallots have a more mild flavor, are slightly sweet, and are not as sharp as onions with hints of garlic. They are so tasty!
- Green Beans - Fresh green beans are a must in this recipe. I prefer French green beans (or verts!). They are a little more sweet, tender, and a little smaller.
- Almonds - Select raw (not roasted) slivered or sliced almonds. They will toast in the pan while cooking!
- Grass-Fed Butter - You could substitute ghee or a little more olive oil in place of the butter, but if you can tolerate the butter do it! You only add a little but it adds so much flavor to the beans. Plus, high-quality butter is both healthy and delicious. For those following Whole30, you will want to use either ghee or olive oil to stay compliant.
Recipe Tips
- Add the garlic after the beans have cooked at least halfway through. This will help ensure that the garlic does not burn. The shallot can cook with the beans because you want it to caramelize.
- Some people like their beans with a little bit of a snap, and some like them cooked through. I am the latter. They taste sweeter when cooked all the way. Make sure you cook the beans to your desired level of doneness so the dish is as enjoyable as possible for you!
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📖 Recipe
Green Beans Almondine
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Green beans French green beans work best
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Shallot Small
- ¼ cup Sliced almonds
- 2 cloves Garlic
- ½ tablespoon Grass-fed butter Sub ghee for Whole 30, or a little more olive oil for strict paleo or vegan
- Salt to taste I used ½ tsp
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop both the shallot and the garlic cloves. Trim the ends of the green beans.
- In a frying pan, heat 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil over low-medium heat. Add the beans and shallot. Sauté for about 5 minutes. The garlic will burn if it cooks too long so make sure the beans are at least halfway cooked before adding it. Add the garlic and continue to cook until the beans soften and the shallot begins to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Cook until beans are your desired level of doneness.
- Add in the salt, almonds and butter. Toast the almonds for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
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