Sautéed Almond Green Bean Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're on the lookout for a side dish that combines healthy greens with a nutty crunch, this Sautéed Almond Green Bean Casserole is your answer! Perfect for any gathering, it's easy to prepare and adds a delightful twist to the traditional green bean casserole.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Combines the freshness of green beans with the richness of a creamy sauce.
  • Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
  • No canned soup involved; it’s all homemade goodness!

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have it ready to go when your skillet work is done. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the sliced almonds. Stir them frequently, keeping a close eye, as they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Once they're golden and fragrant, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions become translucent, which should take just a few minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation of the dish. Now, sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute; this eliminates the raw flour taste and starts the thickening process.

Next, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken — you want it to coat the back of a spoon. Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing them so they’re well-coated in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Transfer everything to a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until everything is bubbly and golden. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures!

Tips & Tricks

  • To save time, trim and prep your green beans ahead of time.
  • If you like extra crunch, reserve a few almonds to sprinkle on top just before serving.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it an excellent choice for holiday feasts or Sunday dinners. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain dish like quinoa or farro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
What if I’m vegan?
Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients Explained

Green beans are the star here, providing a fresh and crisp bite. Make sure they’re trimmed and washed for best results. Olive oil helps toast the almonds and sauté the vegetables without overpowering their flavors. Sliced almonds bring a toasty, nutty crunch to the dish, while diced onions add a savory depth. A couple of cloves of garlic offer a subtle kick, and low-sodium chicken broth forms the base of the creamy sauce. Heavy cream thickens the sauce to coat the beans luxuriously. A touch of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the sauce further. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced almonds and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent.
5. Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until sauce thickens.
7. Add trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.
8. Season with salt and black pepper.
9. Transfer the green bean mixture to a casserole dish, top with toasted almonds and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
11. Serve warm and enjoy!

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