Meet the Savory Almond Green Bean Casserole — a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings crunch and creaminess together in perfect harmony. With a nutty almond topping and a rich, creamy sauce, it's a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Green beans are the star of the show here, offering a fresh, crisp bite after blanching. The olive oil helps to sauté the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors. Onion and garlic build a savory base, while mushrooms add a hearty, earthy depth. Almond milk provides a creamy, dairy-free component, while chicken broth enriches the sauce with savory notes. The flour acts as a thickener, giving the sauce its luscious texture. Sliced almonds and breadcrumbs create a delightfully crunchy topping. Finally, a touch of soy sauce rounds out the flavors with umami goodness.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a warm quinoa salad or a hearty lentil stew. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors nicely.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating up, let's get the green beans ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes — you want them bright and just tender. Drain them and set aside; they’ll be joining the party soon.
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re translucent and the kitchen smells heavenly. Next, toss in the mushrooms and let them cook down until softened — this should take a few minutes.
Now, sprinkle the flour over the veggies and give it a good stir, cooking for just a minute. Slowly whisk in the almond milk and chicken broth, creating a smooth sauce. Add the soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Keep stirring as it comes to a simmer and thickens up. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Once your sauce is ready, combine it with the blanched green beans, mixing everything well. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and sliced almonds. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole for that crunchy finish.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. It’s hard not to sneak a taste, but let it cool slightly before diving in!
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