Green Beans Amadine

Green beans amandine is a French side dish that’s been on American dinner tables since the 1960s, and this microwave version makes it foolproof. Frozen cut green beans steam in minutes, then get dressed with melted butter, toasted slivered almonds, and a hit of lemon juice.

The toasted almonds are what make this more than buttered green beans. Toasting develops their oils and gives them a deep, nutty crunch that contrasts the tender-crisp beans. Use pre-toasted slivered almonds or toast your own in a dry skillet for a few minutes.

The half teaspoon of lemon juice seems tiny but it’s doing important work. It brightens the butter and cuts through the richness so the dish tastes clean rather than greasy. Don’t skip it.

Microwaving the beans covered with just a sprinkle of water steams them quickly and evenly. Five to six minutes on full power gives you that tender-crisp texture. Overcooking turns them army-green and mushy.

Kitchen Tips

• Let the beans stand covered after microwaving. They continue cooking in residual steam and reach the right tenderness during the rest.
• Drain the beans thoroughly before spooning the butter mixture over them. Water on the surface dilutes the butter coating.
• Melt the butter in a separate custard cup so you can stir in the almonds and lemon juice off-heat without overcooking anything.

Variations

• Use fresh green beans trimmed and snapped into pieces. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the microwave time.
• Swap almonds for toasted hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Add a small minced garlic clove to the melted butter for a garlic-almond version.