French Beans Recipe – Easy Garlic & Cheese Sabzi Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

French Beans Recipe – Easy Garlic & Cheese Sabzi Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, easy, and delicious side dish to brighten up your meals. This French Beans recipe is exactly that. It’s a simple sabzi – a dry Indian vegetable dish – packed with flavour thanks to garlic, a touch of butter, and melty cheese. I first made this when I was craving something comforting and quick, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French beans recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to Indian cooking. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can enjoy it as a side with roti, bread, or even add it to a thali. And honestly, who doesn’t love a little cheese?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful French beans sabzi:

• 1 cup French beans (about 150g), trimmed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon butter (about 5g)
• To taste salt
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon black pepper powder (adjust to your liking!)
• 2-3 processed cheese cubes (about 50-75g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

French Beans: Types & Selection

You can use regular green French beans for this recipe. Look for beans that are firm, bright green, and snap easily. Avoid beans that are limp or have brown spots.

Butter: Using Salted vs. Unsalted

I prefer using salted butter for this recipe, as it adds a nice flavour dimension. If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to the sabzi.

Garlic: Regional Indian Varieties

Indian cuisine uses a lot of garlic! You can use any variety you prefer. I often use the smaller, more pungent garlic cloves available locally.

Cheese: Exploring Indian Cheese Options (Processed vs. Traditional)

Processed cheese cubes are super convenient and melt beautifully, giving that lovely cheesy pull. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with Indian cheeses like paneer (though it won’t melt quite the same way) or even a sprinkle of grated cheddar for a different flavour profile.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, finely chop your onion and garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother.
2. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn light brown – about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Now, add the French beans and sauté for another minute.
5. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the beans soften slightly. If the pan gets too dry, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of water. We want the beans to be tender-crisp, not mushy!
6. Mix in salt and black pepper powder to taste.
7. For the oven method: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking tray. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. For the stovetop method: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mixture, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the beans! A little bit of crunch is what makes this sabzi so satisfying.
• If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chilli powder along with the salt and pepper.
• For a richer flavour, you can add a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) along with the butter.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use vegan cheese cubes. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the ingredients of your cheese cubes to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Green Chilies)

If you like things spicy, finely chop a green chili and add it along with the garlic.

Festival Adaptation (Adding to a Thali)

This sabzi is a fantastic addition to a festive thali! Serve it alongside dal, rice, roti, and other favourite Indian dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French beans sabzi hot as a side dish with roti, paratha, or bread. It also makes a lovely addition to a salad or can be enjoyed as a light snack. It’s incredibly versatile!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare French beans for this recipe?

Simply wash the beans, trim the ends, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use fresh cheese instead of processed cheese cubes?

You can! Paneer or grated cheddar will work, but they won’t melt quite as smoothly as processed cheese.

How can I adjust the cooking time to maintain the crunch of the beans?

Keep a close eye on the beans and don’t overcook them. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients (chop the onions and garlic, trim the beans) ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the sabzi just before serving for the best flavour and texture.

What other vegetables can I add to this sabzi?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.