Description
This Unique French Beans with Peach recipe combines tender green beans sautéed with shallots and almonds, finished with fresh basil and topped with juicy white peach slices. It is a fresh, vibrant side dish or light meal with a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 600 g (18 oz) extra thin green beans
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 white peach, sliced finely
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon blanched, unsalted almonds
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel or Maldon flakes or Celtic sea salt)
- Pinch of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Green Beans: Top and tail the green beans by trimming off the ends. Bring a pot of unsalted water to a simmer, then add the beans. Cook them for 5 to 10 minutes until they reach an al dente texture—tender but still with a slight bite. Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda near the end of cooking to help retain their bright green color. Drain the beans and set them aside.
- Prepare Shallot Mixture: In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté until it turns a golden color and becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the blanched, unsalted almonds to the skillet and stir to combine with the shallot.
- Combine Beans and Season: Add the drained green beans to the skillet with the shallot and almonds. Toss everything together briefly over heat to mix flavors but avoid overcooking the beans. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the chopped or torn fresh basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the green bean mixture to a serving dish. Arrange the thinly sliced white peach slices on top of the beans. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant combination of flavors.
Notes
- Use extra thin green beans for best texture and tenderness.
- Add bicarbonate of soda at the end of cooking green beans to help preserve their vibrant green color, but do not add too much as it can affect flavor.
- If white peaches are unavailable, ripe yellow peaches can be used as an alternative.
- This dish is best served fresh and warm or at room temperature.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
