If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s bursting with surprising flavor combinations, this Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, crisp french beans mingling with the sweetness of ripe white peach slices and the aromatic punch of fresh basil, all brought together by toasty almonds and a gentle touch of olive oil. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both elegant and effortlessly simple, perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a stunning appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe hinges on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their special twist to the final dish. The selection is all about balance—a mix of crunch, sweetness, earthiness, and freshness, making the dish both vibrant in taste and beautiful on the plate.
- 600 g (18oz) green beans, extra thin: The star vegetable, offering a crisp texture and fresh grassy flavor.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Adds a mild onion sweetness that softens with a gentle sauté.
- 1 white peach, sliced finely: Injects juicy sweetness and a subtle floral note.
- 1 tablespoon blanched, unsalted almonds: Brings a delicate crunch and nutty depth.
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn: Infuses an aromatic, herbaceous lift that brightens every bite.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and a smooth finish to the sauté.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel or Maldon flakes, Celtic sea salt): Enhances all the flavors with a gentle seasoning and satisfying crunch.
How to Make Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the French Beans
Start by trimming the french beans, removing the tips for a neat presentation. Cook them in simmering unsalted water until they reach just the right tender-crisp texture—about 5 to 10 minutes. To help retain their vibrant green color and achieve perfect tenderness, add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda during the last moments of cooking. Then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sautéing the Shallot and Combining Ingredients
While the beans cook, gently sauté the finely chopped shallot in extra virgin olive oil until it turns a beautiful golden color. This softens the shallot’s sharpness and imparts a mild sweetness. Toss in the blanched almonds and the cooked french beans to warm them through and get a slight nutty aroma from the almonds. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the fresh basil, salt, and some freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
Step 3: Finishing Touch with Peach
Transfer the sautéed beans, shallots, and almonds onto a serving dish, then lavish the top with the delicately sliced white peach. The peaches don’t require cooking—they add a fresh juicy burst that beautifully contrasts the earthy beans and aromatic basil. Serve immediately for the freshest experience.
How to Serve Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider garnishing with a handful of toasted almond slivers for extra crunch or a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil for a citrusy zing. A few whole basil leaves artfully scattered on top can add an inviting burst of green and a hint of extra aroma.
Side Dishes
This Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It also shines alongside a grain salad—think quinoa or farro tossed with lemon and herbs—for a vegetarian-friendly plate that feels substantial but fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming appetizer, arrange the beans and peach slices on individual small plates or in clear glass bowls to showcase the colors. You can also turn this salad into a colorful sandwich or wrap filling by combining it with creamy goat cheese and crusty bread. Its vibrant hues will make any presentation pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the peach slices separate if possible to avoid them turning mushy and add them just before serving again to retain their fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe, as both the delicate french beans and fresh peach tend to lose their texture and freshness once thawed, which can affect the overall taste and appeal.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this dish warm, gently reheat the beans and shallot mixture in a pan over low heat without the peaches, then add the peaches fresh after warming. This preserves the vibrant flavors and ensures the peaches stay juicy and bright.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
While this recipe shines with extra thin french beans, you can substitute with haricots verts or even regular green beans. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the beans tender yet crisp.
What type of peach works best?
White peaches are preferred for their delicate sweetness and floral notes, but ripe yellow peaches work well too. Choose peaches that are firm yet fragrant for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no animal products and relies entirely on plant-based ingredients, making it a perfect vegan-friendly option.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the beans, shallots, and almonds ahead of time and toss with basil just before serving. Add the fresh peach slices last to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
What can I do if I don’t have bicarbonate of soda?
You can skip the bicarbonate when boiling the beans; it helps keep them bright green and tender. Without it, just cook the beans carefully to avoid overcooking and losing color.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe because it truly delivers a delightful combination that’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly tasty. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet requires minimal effort, making it perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Once you taste the playful mingling of crunchy beans, sweet peach, and fragrant basil, I’m sure it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen too.
Print
Unique French Beans with Peach and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3.3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant French Beans and Peach salad combining tender green beans, sweet peach slices, crunchy almonds, and aromatic basil, dressed in extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing and unique side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 600 g (18oz) green beans, extra thin
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 white peach, sliced finely
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon almonds, blanched, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel) or Maldon flakes or Celtic sea salt
- Pinch of bicarbonate of soda (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Top and tail the green beans by trimming both ends. Cook them in simmering unsalted water for 5-10 minutes until they reach an al dente texture. Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda at the last minute to help retain their vibrant green color. Drain them well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté shallots and almonds: In a pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant. Add the blanched, unsalted almonds and lightly toast them with the shallots, being careful not to burn.
- Combine ingredients and finish: Add the cooked green beans to the pan with the shallots and almonds, stirring gently to combine and warm through. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped or torn fresh basil leaves, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Arrange the finely sliced white peach on top as a fresh and sweet garnish before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the almonds before adding them to the pan.
- Use extra thin green beans for a more delicate texture and faster cooking.
- The bicarbonate of soda helps maintain the green beans’ vibrant color but is optional.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature as a light side or salad.
- Adjust salt according to preference, especially if using flavored sea salts.
