Making Green Bean Almondine is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy side dish in minutes.

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water is heating, trim the ends of your green beans and wash them thoroughly. Trimming the ends ensures a neater appearance and removes any tough or stringy parts. Washing is crucial to remove any dirt or grit. Salting the water is important as it seasons the green beans from the inside out as they cook, enhancing their flavor. Using a large pot ensures the green beans have enough space to cook evenly.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Blanching is a quick cooking method that partially cooks the green beans while retaining their vibrant color and crisp texture. The timing is crucial; you want them tender but still with a slight bite. Overcooking will result in mushy, unappetizing green beans.
3. Shock in Ice Water: Immediately remove the green beans from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or tongs and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This process, known as shocking, stops the cooking process instantly, preserving their bright green color and crisp texture. Leave them in the ice bath for a few minutes until completely cooled.
4. Toast the Almonds: While the green beans are cooling, prepare the almonds. You have a few options for toasting:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Watch them closely as almonds can burn quickly.
   • Stovetop: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Stovetop toasting requires constant attention to prevent burning, but it’s a quick and efficient method.
   • Microwave: Spread the slivered almonds in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until lightly golden and fragrant, usually around 1-2 minutes total. Microwave toasting is the fastest method, but requires careful monitoring to avoid burning.

   Toasting the almonds is essential as it enhances their nutty flavor and provides a satisfying crunch that is characteristic of Green Bean Almondine. Raw almonds lack the depth of flavor and textural appeal that toasted almonds bring.

5. Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet you used to toast the almonds (wipe it clean if needed), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will become bitter. Sautéing the garlic in butter infuses the butter with its aromatic flavor, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
6. Add Green Beans and Almonds: Drain the cooled green beans thoroughly and add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the green beans evenly with the butter and garlic. Add the toasted slivered almonds to the skillet and toss again to combine.
7. Season and Finish: Season the Green Bean Almondine with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper and adjust to your preference. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans and almonds. Toss one last time to ensure everything is well combined and the lemon juice is evenly distributed. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the butter and almonds.
8. Serve Immediately: Green Bean Almondine is best served immediately while the green beans are still crisp-tender and the almonds are crunchy. Serving it fresh ensures the best texture and flavor.