Description
A vibrant and refreshing side dish featuring tender French green beans sautéed with sweet, caramelized peaches and crunchy toasted almonds, seasoned with fresh thyme and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for summer meals and pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or grain salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 lb French green beans (haricots verts), trimmed
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
Oils and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white balsamic vinegar
Other
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
- Fresh mint or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the French green beans and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Peaches: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add the finely minced shallots and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Add the sliced peaches and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently so they begin to caramelize and soften slightly.
- Combine Beans and Peaches: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the peaches and shallots. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves. Continue sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes more, tossing everything gently to combine and heat through evenly.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice or white balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves if desired. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
- For a twist, substitute nectarines or plums instead of peaches.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a fresh summer grain salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Blanching
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
