Green Bean Almond Rice Food

PAN-ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH GOLDEN ALMONDS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt (a teaspoon or so, or to taste). Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until bright green but still firm, about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to the ice water. When cool, drain again. Pat dry with paper towels until completely dry.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the almonds and the oil, adding more oil if needed to just cover the almonds. Cook over medium heat until the almonds are golden, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the shallot. It will cook in the residual heat.
• Coat a large skillet with oil. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add the beans and season with salt. Cook, tossing frequently, until charred dark brown in spots and tender-crisp, about 7 minutes.
• Top with the almond mixture, then the parsley. Grate the zest from a quarter of the lemon directly over the beans, then cut the lemon into wedges for serving. Season with pepper and serve.

GREEN BEAN AND CORN ALMONDINE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake until golden, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large (12-inch) deep skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add green beans and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and toss to evenly coat in the oil. Add 1/2 cup of water, cover and steam until beans are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in butter and corn, and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn and green beans are tender and glazed in the sauce, 4 to 5 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs, and season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer beans and corn to a large platter and spoon over any remaining sauce. Garnish with the toasted almonds and more black pepper.

GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH CILANTRO AND SOY-GLAZED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Place almonds in small nonstick skillet. Stir over medium heat until almonds are lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Increase heat medium-high. Add 3 teaspoons soy sauce and stir until soy sauce evaporates and coats almonds, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate and cool. Chop almonds. Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Rinse beans under cold water. Drain well. (Almonds and beans can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover almonds and store at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate beans; bring to room temperature before continuing.)
• Whisk vinegar, oil, garlic, ginger and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce in large bowl to blend. Add beans and toss to coat. Sprinkle green onions, cilantro and almonds over salad and serve.

GREEN BEANS ALMONDINE

Steps:

• Place beans into a microwave-safe casserole dish with enough water to cover the bottom. Microwave on high power until almost tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and refresh under cold running water to keep the nice green color.
• Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add almonds and cook until just starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes, watching closely so as to not burn. Take pan off of heat and add butter to melt. Return to heat and add garlic. Mix in green beans, season with salt and pepper, and continue to stir until heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.