BEANS, BASIL AND LEMON BAKED IN PAPER PARCELS

This is a lovely way to cook beans simply and serve in a surprise package opened to reveal a waft of herby lemon aromas. Whether you use round or flat beans, these beans are not crisp and bright, but soft, tender and swamped in delicious cooking juices collected in the base of the paper package. On a hot summer’s day, prepare and cook the packages in the morning or day before to avoid the heat of the oven warming the kitchen. The beans are delicious at room temperature too. Alternatively, if the barbecue is happening, pop the parcels over the heat and close the lid to replicate the oven cooking.

Serves 4-6

300g green beans, or yellow flat beans, stem ends trimmed

250g cherry tomatoes

1 clove garlic, finely sliced

½ lemon finely sliced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

About 20 basil leaves

4 sprigs thyme (optional)

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Alternatively heat a barbeque (with hood) to medium-high. 

For individual parcels lay out four sheets of baking paper measuring about 30cm x 30cm.  Divide and arrange the beans, tomatoes, sliced garlic and lemon in the middle of each sheet of paper. Drizzle the oil and scatter over the basil leaves, thyme sprigs if using, and a generous pinch of sea salt and grinding of black pepper.  Alternatively, if making one large parcel lay a sheet of baking paper measuring about 50cm long x 30cm wide each, then place all the ingredients onto the centre of the baking paper.

Bring two opposite sides of paper (along the length) to meet in the middle, fold over two or three times to seal. Then fold or twist the ends to seal completely. The idea is to prevent any moisture escaping so that the beans steam inside the parcel. Transfer the parcels on to a baking tray.

Place baking tray in the oven and cook for 20 minutes for the individual parcels or 30 minutes for the larger parcel. If using the barbecue place the baking tray on top of barbeque grill and close lid.  Cook for 15 minutes. Carefully open parcels to check the beans are very tender. 

Serve directly from the parcel or transfer to a serving dish and drizzle over the cooking juices from the base of the paper parcel. Serve hot or at room temperature.

TIP: The beans can be prepared a few hours ahead, or day before. Store covered in the fridge.  Bring to room temperature to serve.

Recipe by Fiona Hammond, Feb 2024.