Looking for a healthy and delicious side dish? Look no further than 1/2 cup of Green Beans Amandine! This classic French recipe is made with lightly steamed green beans tossed in a buttery almond sauce. Best of all, it's only 100 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for anyone watching their waistline.
But, Green Beans Amandine isn't just low in calories – it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Each 1/2 cup serving contains 20% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A, 10% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, and 8% of your daily recommended intake of iron.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Green Beans Amandine, from how to prepare them to tips for cooking the perfect dish.
What are Green Beans Amandine?
Green Beans Amandine is a classic French recipe that features fresh green beans tossed in a rich, buttery almond sauce. The dish is often served as a side dish and is popular in both French cuisine and American Southern cuisine. The dish is traditionally made with French green beans, which are thinner and more tender than regular green beans. However, any variety of green beans can be used.
The Nutritional Value of Green Beans Amandine
Green Beans Amandine is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for anyone. 1/2 cup of this dish contains just 100 calories and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Dietary fiber helps to promote bowel regularity and keeps you feeling full for longer. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. Iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels and preventing anemia.
How to Prepare Green Beans Amandine
Preparing Green Beans Amandine is easy and requires just a few simple steps. Start by washing and trimming your green beans. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and set them aside. Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add slivered almonds and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until the almonds are toasted and fragrant. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the almond butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot. For an added touch of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or lemon juice to the almond butter sauce before adding the green beans.
Other Recipes using Green Beans
Green Beans are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some other recipes to try: - Green Bean Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette - Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallot Topping
The Best Varieties of Green Beans for Amandine
While French green beans are the traditional choice for Green Beans Amandine, any variety of green beans can be used in this recipe. It's best to choose fresh, crisp green beans that have a bright color and are free from blemishes or spots.
How Amandine Differs from Other Green Bean Preparations
Amandine is a French term that refers to a dish that is garnished with almonds. In the case of Green Beans Amandine, the green beans are tossed in an almond butter sauce and topped with slivered almonds. This gives the dish a rich, nutty flavor that sets it apart from other green bean preparations.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Green Beans Amandine
Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect Green Beans Amandine: - Use fresh, crisp green beans for the best flavor and texture. - Don't overcook the green beans – they should be tender but still crisp to the bite.
Variations to Try with Green Beans Amandine
Want to switch up the classic Green Beans Amandine recipe? Try these variations: - Add minced garlic or lemon juice to the almond butter sauce for an extra kick of flavor. - Swap out the slivered almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts for a unique twist.
What to Serve with Green Beans Amandine
Green Beans Amandine pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or steak - Baked fish or shrimp scampi
Health Benefits of Green Beans
Green beans are a nutrient-dense vegetable that offer a range of health benefits. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps to promote gut health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Green beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients support a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin and eyesight, and help to keep blood oxygen levels within the normal range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Beans Amandine
1. What is Green Beans Amandine?
Green Beans Amandine is a classic French side dish made with green beans, butter, almonds, and lemon juice.
2. How many calories are in 1/2 cup of Green Beans Amandine?
One half cup of Green Beans Amandine typically contains about 100 calories.
3. Are Green Beans Amandine healthy?
Green Beans Amandine can be part of a healthy diet because green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the dish usually contains butter and almonds, which are high in fat and calories.
4. How do you make Green Beans Amandine?
To make Green Beans Amandine, simply blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then sauté them in butter until they are crisp-tender. Add almonds and lemon juice and sauté for a few more minutes until the almonds are toasted and fragrant.
5. What are some variations of Green Beans Amandine?
Some variations of Green Beans Amandine include adding garlic, shallots, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also use different nuts, like pine nuts or pecans, instead of almonds.