Green beans with almonds "Amandine"

Ingredients:

• 0.7 kg green beans, ends trimmed
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• Zest and juice of half a lemon

Preparation:

1. In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until golden brown and fragrant, 3-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and finely chop.
3. Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. The salt will bring out their flavor and help preserve their crispness. Immediately drain and transfer the beans to an ice bath (or cold water) to cool and stop the cooking, then pat dry completely.
4. Return the pan to medium heat and melt the butter and olive oil. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to darken, 3-5 minutes. Add the beans, lemon zest and juice, and stir. Cook until the beans are heated through, 1-2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Toss the beans with the toasted, slivered almonds and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with beef or dark meat poultry.