Green Beans and Almonds with Caramelized Onions

Green Beans and almonds with caramelized onions is a simple side dish that looks elegant, yet is simple. The dish takes only a few minutes to prepare from start to finish. It is a go-to recipe for me during the weeknights as a side dish. Check the bottom for Nutrition Facts!

Green Beans with stems removed. — Cut your green beans in half and remove the stems to ensure even cooking and easier bites.

Ingredients	Volume/Weight	Scaled Recipe
Green Beans, stems removed	1 lb	2lb
Medium Yellow Onion	0.5	1
Almonds, slivered	1/2 cup	1 cup
Garlic	2 cloves	4 cloves
Sugar	2 tbsp	4 tbsp
Salt	To Taste
Pepper	To taste
Serves	5	10

Preparation:

Cut stems off of green beans and then cut in half. Place in a colander and wash.
Cut onions into long slices
Mince garlic
Heat oil in a skillet, and place onion slices inside with some salt. Once onions begin to turn translucent, add sugar and let onions brown, stirring as needed.
Place green beans and garlic in the pan and cover until cooked, stirring as needed. (Should take about 5 minutes)
Add Almonds and let cook for about 1 minute for delicate flavor development.
Salt and Pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.

Sugar combined with the protein in the onion and heat creates a Maillard reaction, otherwise known as browning.
This reaction is fundamental for caramelizing the onions.

Cover the green beans to trap the heat and retain moisture.

Add Almonds and mix in when the beans are almost done. Almonds have a delicate flavor, and prolonged heat exposure may cause them to burn.

Options to Swap:

Switch Onion Varieties

Different onions will give you a different flavor and influence your end dish. Red onions will give you a more sour note while vadallia onions will add more sweetness to the dish.

Almonds for Pecans

Depending on your preference, you can swap almonds out for another type of mild nut such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans. If you have an allergy, you can leave these out and still achieve a great dish.

Sugar for Honey

The iteration of this recipe uses sugar to caramelize the onions. Sugar can be swapped with honey for more depth of flavor and will still contribute to the caramelization. Try to buy local honey from your local farmers market or grocery store.

This recipe has a low glycemic response, protein, and fiber suitable to sustain you and the planet.

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