Description
A fresh and vibrant recipe combining tender French green beans with juicy white peach slices, toasted almonds, and a fragrant basil shallot dressing. This unique dish balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors for a delightful side or light meal, perfect for spring or summer.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 600 g (18oz) green beans, extra thin
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 white peach, sliced finely
- 20 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn
Nuts and Oils
- 1 tablespoon almonds, blanched, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fleur de sel, Maldon flakes, or Celtic sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (implied from instructions)
- Pinch of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) for bean cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Green Beans: Trim the green beans by topping and tailing them. Then, place them in simmering unsalted water and cook for 5-10 minutes until they are al dente. Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda at the last minute of cooking to help retain their color and texture. Drain the beans and set them aside.
- Prepare Shallot Mixture: In a pan, sauté the finely chopped shallot in extra virgin olive oil until it turns golden and fragrant. This brings out a rich sweetness to complement the beans.
- Add Almonds and Beans: Add the blanched, unsalted almonds and the cooked green beans to the pan with the sautéed shallots. Mix gently and then remove the pan from heat.
- Season and Garnish: Stir in the finely chopped or torn fresh basil leaves along with the salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and top with the thinly sliced white peach for a fresh, sweet contrast.
Notes
- Adding bicarbonate of soda helps maintain the bright green color of the beans but use sparingly to avoid affecting flavor.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- To toast almonds, dry roast them lightly in a pan if desired to enhance nuttiness before adding.
- Choose a sweet, ripe white peach to ensure the desired fresh and juicy contrast.
- This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
