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
A buttery, lemony side dish with vintage dinner party charm — Circa mid-century holiday menus
Category: Side Dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
🥬 Ingredients
12 oz bag of fresh green beans
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍋 Instructions
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
Rinse and trim the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the beans for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water. Drain again and set aside.
2. Toast the Almonds:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and stir often until golden and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown just enough to bring out the aroma.
4. Toss & Warm the Beans:
Add the green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the buttery garlic mixture and heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
5. Brighten & Finish:
Squeeze lemon juice over the green beans, add zest, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the toasted almonds.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving dish. Optional: garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Perfect alongside roast chicken, turkey, or a hearty casserole.
💡 Retro Tip
Green Bean Almondine was a dinnertime favorite in the 1950s and ’60s, often found in Better Homes cookbooks and holiday spreads. It's simple, elegant, and never goes out of style.
Check Out More Retro Green Bean Recipes!
Aunt Bee’s Southern Dinner Menu
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.
