Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that sings with color and flavor, this Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the crisp snap of tender French beans with the sweet, juicy brightness of ripe peach slices, all lifted by fragrant basil and toasted almonds. The subtle touch of olive oil and fleur de sel brings everything together beautifully, making it a dish that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly light. Whether as a side or a simple stand-alone salad, it’s a delightful way to celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for its unique contribution to the dish’s balance of flavors, textures, and colors. With just a handful of simple, fresh components, you’ll create a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- 600 g (18oz) green beans, extra thin: Their slender shape adds an elegant crunch and vibrant green color that anchors the dish.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and subtle onion flavor once sautéed.
- 1 white peach, sliced finely: Offers a juicy, fragrant contrast with a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- 1 tablespoon almonds, blanched, unsalted: A little crunch and nuttiness to elevate the texture and depth of flavor.
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn: Brings a bright herbal aroma that injects freshness into every bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin: Provides richness and helps marry all the flavors together with a silky finish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel) or Maldon flakes, Celtic sea salt: The finishing touch that enhances the natural sweetness and balances the dish.
How to Make Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by topping and tailing the green beans to remove the tough ends, which keeps the texture pleasingly tender. Then, gently simmer them in unsalted water for about 5 to 10 minutes until they are al dente—firm but cooked through. Adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda in the final minute helps maintain their bright green color and tender crispness, which is key to this recipe’s fresh appeal. Once done, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallot and Almonds
While the beans cook, sauté your finely chopped shallot in the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Let it cook slowly until it turns golden and fragrant, which releases its natural sweetness. Then toss in the blanched almonds, allowing them to toast gently, deepening their flavor and adding a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the beans and peaches.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked green beans to the pan with the shallots and almonds, stirring gently to coat everything in the infused olive oil. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in the chopped or torn basil leaves, which instantly release their aromatic oils into the warm mixture. Finally, season with your fleur de sel or preferred sea salt plus freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a careful toss.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Peach
Transfer the green beans mixture to your serving dish, spreading it evenly. The last flourish is topping the beans with the thinly sliced white peach. This final touch adds a sweet, juicy note that transforms this dish from simple to spectacular, ensuring every bite surprises and delights.
How to Serve Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra wow factor, consider sprinkling a few extra toasted almond slivers or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving. You can also scatter a few whole basil leaves on top for a fresh, eye-catching garnish that makes the dish look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a light pasta for a summer meal. Its crisp and fruity notes work perfectly to cut through richer mains, offering a refreshing balance that leaves everyone asking for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual glass bowls to showcase the layers of green beans, peaches, and basil for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Another fun idea is to toss the mixture into a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens for added volume and variety in texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The green beans and basil will keep well for up to two days, but it’s best to add the peach slices fresh if possible to maintain their juicy texture and vibrant taste.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because freezing the peaches and basil would cause loss of texture and freshness. If absolutely necessary, freeze only the beans separately without dressing or peaches, but expect some softness upon thawing.
Reheating
For leftovers, gently bring the green beans mixture back to room temperature or warm them lightly in a pan with a dash of olive oil. Avoid overheating to preserve the freshness and texture. Re-add fresh peach slices before serving to keep the bright balance intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular green beans instead of extra thin French beans?
Absolutely! Regular green beans work perfectly well, though the texture may be a bit firmer and the dish less delicate visually. Just be sure to trim them properly and adjust cooking times to ensure tender-crisp results.
Is it okay to substitute white peach with another fruit?
Yes, you can swap white peach for nectarines or even ripe apricots for a similar sweet juiciness. Just choose a fruit that is firm yet juicy to retain texture and complement the green beans.
Can I make this dish vegan or gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, as it relies on fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, and olive oil without any animal products or gluten ingredients. It’s a great option for various dietary preferences!
What kind of basil works best here?
Sweet basil is ideal for this recipe, as it has a mild and fragrant flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches. You can also experiment with purple basil for a subtle color variation and slightly spicier note.
How can I add a bit of acidity to enhance flavors?
A light drizzle of lemon juice or a splash of good-quality white balsamic vinegar just before serving can brighten the dish further and elevate its natural flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
Final Thoughts
This Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that feels like a breath of spring or summer on your plate, full of flavor, color, and texture that’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how effortlessly delicious healthy eating can be!
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Unique French Beans with Sliced Peach and Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and unique French beans recipe that combines tender green beans with sweet white peach slices, toasted almonds, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a light olive oil and shallot dressing. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or a light vegetarian main, this recipe blends savory and sweet flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruit
- 600 g (18 oz) extra thin green beans, topped and tailed
- 1 white peach, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn
Nuts & Oils
- 1 tablespoon blanched, unsalted almonds
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel or Maldon flakes or Celtic sea salt)
- Pinch of bicarbonate of soda (for blanching beans)
- 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 and cook the green beans for 5 to 10 minutes until they are tender but still crisp (al dente). Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda during the last minute of cooking to help maintain the beans’ bright green color. Drain the beans and set aside.
- Prepare Shallot Mixture: In a sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook gently until it turns golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine and Finish: Add the blanched almonds and cooked green beans to the pan with the shallots. Toss gently to combine and warm through, then remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to season. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish.
- Add Peach Topping: Arrange the thinly sliced white peach on top of the green beans mixture as a fresh, sweet garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil with mint or parsley for a different herbal note.
- Using a pinch of bicarbonate of soda helps keep the beans vividly green and tender; do not overuse as it can affect texture.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm beans and cool peach.
- Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity richness; use a good quality oil for best flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
