Mid-Century Marvel The Classic Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine An Elegant But Easy Dish to Make
With only a few ingredients green beans, almonds, butter, and sometimes lemon it transforms basic elements into a sophisticated side dish.
The bright flavor and crunchy texture complement a variety of main dishes, from roast turkey to grilled fish.
Popular in the U.S.
Green Bean Almondine gained traction in American kitchens in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.
It's a popular alternative to heavier green bean casseroles, offering a lighter yet festive choice during Thanksgiving or Christmas meals.
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The 1950s and 60’s era celebrated elegant yet accessible dishes. Influenced by the rise of French cuisine's popularity in the U.S., spearheaded by figures like Julia Child.
Its simplicity made it a staple for home cooks and a favorite for entertaining.
Almonds are a universally loved nut, known for their mild, buttery taste and crunchy texture.
Vintage Serveware Inspiration
Mid-Century Glass Casserole Dish: A Pyrex or Fire-King glass dish with a floral or atomic pattern fits perfectly with the mid-century aesthetic.
Silver Plated Serving Dish: Common in formal dinners of the 1950s and 60s, a silver or silver-plated oval tray adds elegance.
Ceramic Serving Bowl: Opt for muted pastel tones or bold, geometric designs characteristic of the retro era.
Available on Amazon: Norpro 713 Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, 4in/10cm and holds 10oz, Multicolor
Green Bean Almondine
Total Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients:
12 oz bag of fresh green beans
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the green beans:
Rinse and trim green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.Toast the almonds:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Combine: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter-garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Add finishing touches: Squeeze the lemon juice over the green beans, sprinkle with lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the toasted almonds.
Serve: Transfer the green beans almondine to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy this side dish with roasted chicken, turkey, or your favorite main course!
Tablescape TipsPair the dish with coordinating plates or cloth napkins in retro colors like avocado green, mustard yellow, or soft pink.
Use vintage serving utensils (e.g., bakelite handles) for an authentic touch.
Garnish the green beans with extra toasted almonds and a few curls of lemon zest for visual appeal.
