Haricots Verts Amandine
Serves 2-4 // Two servings = 179 calories, 8 net carbs
Kosher salt
1/2 pound thin green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon unsalted grass-fed butter (or olive oil)
2 ounces slivered almonds
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
3/4 tablespoon lemon juice or champagne vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces chopped, cooked bacon (if desired)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Add green beans to boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice bath using a wire mesh spider or tongs. Allow to chill completely, then drain and dry thoroughly with kitchen towels or paper towels.
In a medium skillet, heat butter and almonds over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until almonds are deeply browned and nutty, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and shallot and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes longer. Add lemon juice or vinegar, along with a tablespoon or two of water. Increase heat to high and stir and shake pan rapidly to emulsify, about 30 seconds. The sauce should have a glossy sheen and not appear watery or greasy. If it’s still watery, continue to simmer and shake. If it looks greasy, add another tablespoon of water to re-emulsify. When sauce is ready, remove from heat, add bacon bits if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add beans to pan with sauce and toss to coat and combine. Return to medium heat and cook, tossing, until heated through, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.