Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds (with video)

Last updated: April 23, 2021
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Watch how-to video above

Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds {paleo, vegan}

Although I named this post after a simple recipe, it could very well be “How I Came to Love the Humble Green Bean.” Something about their texture just wasn’t for me. I’d made them many ways – steamed, sautéed, grilled… but I couldn’t get past their waxy squeakiness. You know what I’m talking about, right? They almost make a noise when you bite into them.

A recent trip to the farmer’s market, my favorite summer adventure, led me to give them one more chance. I find that making my way to different markets always lends a unique experience. Different growers, different specialities, different vibes.

Bushels of the green “snakes” were waiting to be preserved into spicy dilly beans, but I’ve never had much luck with that. Instead I took some home with the recommendation of the young man behind the table who said, “Blister them – not on the stovetop but in a really hot oven. They’ll transform from cold and tough to charred and crisp.”

I’ve found that more often than not, the hands that grow what we eat know best. The thermometer rose higher and higher throughout the day, but I trusted the young man. Soon I was cranking up the oven to let the magic happen.

As I could hear them sizzling and sputtering, I thought about the power of in-person connections, and how they will never be replaced by online/social interaction. Ever.

5 Ingredient Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds {gluten-free, vegan}

Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds & Dill {via heartbeet kitchen}

Hot and crispy, I popped them into my mouth, straight off the pan…….. And silently thanked the young gentlemen for convincing me that green beans could find a way to my heart.

To brighten them I added a splash of fresh lemon juice (tip: a little acid always brings out the best in vegetables) and dill. And for texture, crushed almonds were the perfect last minute addition.

So simple – five ingredients, one pan, lots of flavor. I know some of you are married to your traditional way of cooking green beans but if you’re looking for a new version, this blistering technique is a winner. And when you’re on your next market adventure, don’t hesitate to ask the lovely person behind the stall for a few tips. Their advice might just change your mind on some humble vegetable.

(video filmed by the talented Jennifer Simonson, who is located here in Minneapolis)

Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds {via heartbeet kitchen}

Blistered Green Beans with Crushed Almonds

No ratings yet
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :20 minutes
Total Time :30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon + one extra pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
  • juice of one lemon
  • 1/4 cup crushed roasted almonds
  • Flaky sea salt to finish

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss green beans with olive oil and salt, then spread in one layer on a large sheet pan.
  • Roast for 10 minutes, then stir to flip some of the beans over, and roast another 8-10 minutes, until green beans are charred and blistered.
  • Remove from oven and stir in lemon juice and dill, then top with crushed almonds and flaky sea salt.

Notes

There are two keys to this recipe - making sure your oven is hot enough (don't put the beans in until it reaches the correct temp even if you are rushed), and spreading them in an even layer on the pan so they aren't crowded. I use a large half sheet pan like this. Although you may be tempted to use a ton of beans, I tested the proportion of oil to beans to get them to be be charred and crisp.

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

July 30, 2015

COMMENT & RATE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

24 comments

  1. I love how this recipe looks. I love green beans and the way you have all these ingredients paired together looks so delicious. Can’t wait to try it at home! I love dill too, so glad you added that too.

  2. I love this story, Amanda! It’s so true! Our farmers know their veggies for sure. I find taking their lead in recommending how to prepare veggies has ensured success time and time again. It’s so fun! I’ve never blistered green beans, and I eat a lot of them this time of year. So I’ll be trying your recipe on my next batch of beans! Love the addition of dill, lemon and almonds… so simple, yet so delicious! Thank you for this!

  3. Well, I’m delighted to report that I have had amazing success with my green beans this year (err, my first year ever). Never would I have thought it possible, darkish thumb and all, to grow such an endless array of delicious veggies from our humble garden. But it’s happening and I cannot wait to try this recipe. You make beautiful food Amanda (and that bowl… earthy and gorgeous!)

    • Oh wonderful – yay for a bountiful garden! Some day I hope to have more room to be able to grow more of my own food. If you make the recipe, be sure to let me know your thoughts. xo

  4. Beautiful Amanda! I will definitely be trying this because I am also not a huge fan of green beans, but I am growing some this year and they are about to be very abundant, so this will be a good way for me to start cooking them. Thank you!