Alice Waters' Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Recipes: A Delicious and Healthy Dish
Alice Waters is one of the most renowned chefs in the United States, known for her emphasis on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. One of her most celebrated dishes is her green beans with toasted almonds and lemon recipe, which combines the vibrant flavors of fresh green beans with the zing of lemon and the crunch of roasted almonds.
The Benefits of Green Beans
Green beans are not only delicious, but they are also incredibly healthy. They are a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. They are also low in calories, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
The Nutritional Value of Almonds
Almonds are another key ingredient in this dish, and they are also incredibly nutritious. They are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They also contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.
The Flavor of Lemon
Lemons are a citrus fruit that are known for their sour and acidic flavor. However, they are also loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them a healthy and flavorful addition to many dishes.
The Recipe: How to Make Alice Waters' Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To prepare the dish, follow these instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spread the almonds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set them aside to cool.
3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes or until they are crisp-tender. Drain them and immediately immerse them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain them again.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and lightly browned.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the toasted almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the green beans are coated in the lemon and almond mixture.
6. Serve the green beans warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Conclusion
Alice Waters' green beans with toasted almonds and lemon recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh green beans, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the zing of lemon, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Alice Waters Green Beans with Toasted Almonds Lemon Recipes is a dish that is easy to prepare, deliciously nutritious and a perfect side dish that goes well with a variety of meals. The dish is an embodiment of Alice Waters’ obsession with organic, wholesome, and ethically sourced ingredients.
Choosing the right beans
The first step to making Alice Waters Green Beans with Toasted Almonds Lemon Recipes is to select the right ingredients. When selecting green beans, it is essential to avoid beans that have a soggy feel, are discolored or have stunted growth. Instead, go for beans that are firm, bright green in color with a smooth texture.
Cleaning the beans
Cleaning the beans is the next step to ensuring that they taste great. It is important to wash and rinse the beans thoroughly with clean water to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may be on the beans.
Prepping the beans
Once the beans are cleaned, they need to be prepared. This involves trimming the ends and discarding any beans that may be discolored, unfit or have overly developed seeds. Generally, the ideal length for the beans is around two inches long.
Blanching the beans
Blanching involves submerging the beans in boiling water for a brief period, usually around three to four minutes, then removing them and putting them in a bowl of icy water. Blanching plays a crucial role in enhancing the texture of the beans, retaining their vibrant green color, and removing any unwanted flavors.
Toasting the almonds
Toasting almonds brings out a nutty flavor that complements the taste of the green beans. This involves placing the almonds on a baking sheet and roasting them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The almonds should be checked regularly to prevent them from burning.
Adding the lemon
Lemon juice or zest can be added to the dish, either during the blanching process or at the end of the cooking process. The lemon adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the toasted almonds and the earthiness of the green beans, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Seasoning
The dish can be seasoned with a variety of ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic, onions, and herbs to give it an extra flavor kick.
Cooking the beans
After blanching and toasting, the beans can be cooked in several ways such as sautéing, stir-frying, or steaming. No matter the method chosen, it is essential to ensure that the beans are evenly cooked, retaining their crunch and vibrant green color.
Serving the dish
After cooking, the dish can be served hot or cold, depending on preference. It should be arranged in a way that highlights the colors and textures of the green beans and the toasted almonds.
Conclusion
Alice Waters Green Beans with Toasted Almonds Lemon Recipes is a delicious and nutritious dish that anyone can make at home. By using fresh and wholesome ingredients, cleaning and prepping the beans well, blanching, toasting, and seasoning, anyone can make this simple yet flavorful dish. So go ahead and enjoy the beauty and taste of this dish that will leave you wanting more.
