Spicy French Beans with Chilli and Cumin. You should know by now that at Chez Le Reve Francais Saturday night is curry night. This usually involves a rice dish along with a main dish and occasionally Naan Bread. We all love this combination but we are trying to incorporate more vegetables into our diet so it’s now time for a change.
Sometimes I add vegetables directly to whatever curry I’m making but when I saw French beans for sale I decided to make something new. If you’ve ever shopped regularly in France you will realise it’s not like shopping in the UK, where you can buy nearly everything all year round. These beans aren’t in season here yet so it was a rarity to find them. They deserved a dish all on their own!
There’s only four ingredients for my Spicy French Beans with Chilli and Cumin and it’s very easy to make. Start by blanching the beans for about 2 minutes then plunge into some iced water to stop them cooking. Beans need to be slightly crunchy not sad, soggy and grey.
Next add a knob of butter and a small splash of oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and wait until they start to pop then add the chilli and the drained green beans for a minute or two. Finish the dish by stirring in the juice of a lemon then sprinkle over the lemon zest and some sea salt.
So here’s my very simple but very tasty Spicy French Beans with Chilli and Cumin. It’s a healthy way to spruce up your curry nights and you could always use broccoli instead too. If you’re not into curries why not serve this with roast chicken?
If you have any favourite veggies side dishes for Asian food please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
In the meantime don't forget to Pin this recipe for later.
If you like these Spicy French Beans why not try Afghan Aubergine Curry?
Spicy French Beans with Chilli and Cumin
Ingredients
- 400 G French Beans Washed and trimmed
- 2 Red chillies Sliced
- 1 Lemon Zest and juice
- 2 Tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 Tsp Oil
- 1 Tsp Butter
- 1 Tsp Flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Drop the beans in boiling water for 2 minutes then plunge into ice water to cool. Drain.
- Heat the oil and butter in a frying pan and add the cumin seeds until they begin to pop.
- Add the beans and chilli and stir fry for a couple of minutes before stirring in the lemon juice.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle on the lemon zest and flaked sea salt.
Notes
Thanks Mireille. It's good to add some spice now and then!
Thanks Julie. It's such a fresh way to enjoy beans.
Thanks Leandi. I am glad you like them.
These look really delicious! I also always just chuck veggies in with whatever I'm cooking but this is such a good alternative for green beans.
How tasty is this??!! I love green beans and this is such a fun twist on them. Can't wait to try.
this is one of my favorite spring time veggies and I love the spices you added to them
Thanks Patty. Yes, I agree, the lemon zest really works. I often use it on broccoli too!
Thanks Aleka! I wouldn’t be offended if you cooked them until soft but they do go very dull, don’t they!
Thanks Michelle. I definitely like them with plenty of crunch left and some nice heat!
It’s funny as I was never keen on spinach but I often throw fresh leaves into a seafood lasagne or curries too. Mushroom and spinach is a fab combination and those sweet potatoes look great too! Thanks for the link.
Thanks Karen. I often add cumin to roasted carrots or parsnips with honey as it works so well.
That’s very kind and welcome!
This is a recipe for me! I love everything about it! Will make it soon, thank you!
Thanks for the recipe as I never would have thought about adding cumin to green beans and your dish sounds good.
I usually just make a veggie curry, to be honest, but when I'm in the UK something like Saag Mushrooms (mushrooms with spinach) is a favourite. I'm finding I am eating more and more spinach, and quite often throw handfuls into any vegetable sauce/dish at trhe last moment. Tonight though we're having ham (which I'm about to go and roast) and these rather yummy sounding baked sweet potatoes from Jamie Oliver - veggies and starch in one fell swoop: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/baked-sweet-potatoes/
Mmmn, I love French green beans too. They go with so many wonderful cuisines. I love your flavors of cumin and red chilies with the beans. Comfort food!
I love green beans and would love to try them with cumin!! I have to admit, I enjoy soggy green beans over crisp ones for some reason...But you can't beat this gorgeous green color! 🙂
Mmmm, those green beans look so good, I like the thinner ones too and I also like to sprinkle them with lemon zest, delicious!