Prepare runner beans for dinner.
Everything you need to know about runner bean preparation and cooking, including our favorite runner bean recipes
Runner beans have a short growing season. Runner beans are in season in the United Kingdom from July to September. And, as any seasoned gardener will tell you, they taste even better when grown from seed.
When purchasing runner beans, look for young, small pods that are still firm. The older ones can be stringy and tough, making them unappealing to eat. When fresh beans are broken, they retain their snap. They can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
*How to Cook Runner Beans
*How to Prepare Runner Beans
*To cook runner beans, first boil them.
*To cook runner beans, steam them.
*Cooking runner beans: stir-fry
*Runner bean cooking method: blanching
*How to Keep Runner Beans Fresh
*Freezing runner beans
*Our favorite runner bean recipes
How to Cook Runner Beans
It is critical to properly prepare runner beans to avoid them becoming stringy and gritty when cooked.
To begin, wash the beans and then top and tail them. To top and tail the bean, remove a few millimeters from each end. Then, using a vegetable peeler or knife, carefully peel away the stringy edges.
Cut the beans into oblique shapes by chopping diagonally, or into long strips by cutting lengthwise three or four times. You can use a to make this task easier. tool for slicing beans
If you have a lot of beans to prepare, holding the blade of a small knife between your thumb and the top of your forefinger can be faster. Pinch the bean's top against the knife and twist your hand to snap the bean's pointy top. This keeps the top attached to any stringy bits and allows you to peel them off.
Runner beans can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed, or stir-fried. The best method is to simply boil them and then stir in some butter. This makes an excellent side dish for any meal.
Cook runner beans as follows:
- Heat a small saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Cook until the beans are tender, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Drain
- To serve, add half a tablespoon of salted butter.
Runner beans should be steamed.
- Fill a pan halfway with water (about 2 inches). Bring to a boil.
- Place the prepared beans in a steamer basket and place them in a pan with a lid and a low-medium heat.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender with a knife.
Runner beans can be stir-fried.
- High heat in a wok or large frying pan
- 1 tablespoon oil and any aromatics you like, e.g. g garlic, ginger, and spring onions
- Fry the beans in the pan with a pinch of salt for 3-5 minutes, or until knife tender.
Cooking runner beans: blanching
Blanching is useful if you want to prepare vegetables ahead of time and then reheat them before serving, or if you want to incorporate them into a salad. The process preserves the beans' crunch and their bright green color.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the prepared beans in the water for 4-6 minutes, or until they are still a vibrant green color.
- Drain the beans and place them in a pan of ice water. When ready to serve, drain once more.
- Before serving, reheat the beans in hot water again, or stir-fry them.
How to Keep Runner Beans Fresh
It is critical to store runner beans properly so that they remain fresh for as long as possible.
Runner beans can be stored in the vegetable drawer for 3-5 days uncooked. If they become softer, crisp them up in cold water.
Blanched runner beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also remove the beans from the pods and place them in a warm, dry place to dry. These beans can then be stored in an airtight container for a year and soaked before cooking, just like any other dried bean.
Runner bean freezing instructions
Runner beans are seasonal and can be difficult to find when they are not in season. So storing beans in the freezer is an excellent way to ensure that you have a steady supply all year.
We recommend washing and cutting the runner beans, then blanching them for 3 minutes in boiling water before quickly cooling in ice water. Place the cooled beans in a freezer bag and freeze. The frozen beans will last about three months.
You can cook frozen prepared beans. Simply add to boiling water, return to a boil, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes total.
Read our guide on the for more information. best way to freeze foodsbest method for freezing foods (Opens in a new window) , including vegetables, meats, and fish cakes , as well as other items
Our favorite runner bean recipes
If you're stuck on how to serve runner beans, we've got plenty of ideas for you. We've gathered some of our favorite runner bean recipes, which can be tossed in salads, paired with lamb chops, or buttered with fish.
Miso dressing on greens
This is a tasty Asian-inspired side dish. Miso paste is used in the dressing to enhance the flavors of the greens. When runner beans are out of season, we recommend using frozen runner beans.
peas (Opens in a new window)
Alternatively, substitute green beans for the runner beans. (Opens in a new window)
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for greens with miso dressing
Simple and tasty sausage bake
(Photo courtesy of TI Media Limited)
A sausage bake is always a crowd pleaser. On the Good to Know website, this is a popular recipe. It has received over 200 reviews. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and because you cook everything in one dish, you save time washing up.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for Sausage Bake
Quick and simple five-vegetable stir-fry
(Photo courtesy of TI Media Limited)
Good to Know Food writer Jessica Ransom prefers this method of cooking runner beans; she enjoys stir-frying them because they retain their crunchy texture. Jessica suggests "seasoning with chilli, garlic, and soy and using them instead of tenderstem broccoli."
Try this easy five-vegetable stir-fry recipe, which is packed with green veggie goodness.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Stir-fry with five vegetables
Salad of mixed summer beans from Slimming World
This hearty salad, which can be served warm or cold, is one of our favorites. Perfect for a quick but impressive side dish. For a warming kick, the dressing contains roasted cumin seeds and mild green chili.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Slimming World recipe for mixed summer bean salad
Tapenade and smoked pork belly
This dish is truly delectable. It takes a little time to prepare, but the end result is absolutely delicious. The runner beans add a lovely fresh flavor to balance out the fattiness of the pork.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for pork belly with green bean tapenade
Pan-fried plaice with butter
Plaice is a delicious delicate fish that is frequently overlooked. It's best served as is, with lashings of butter sauce. It's easy and quick to prepare.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for buttery plaice
Salad of runner beans and tenderstem broccoli
(Photo courtesy of TI Media Limited)
Salads are an excellent use for runner beans. They have a nice crunch and a vibrant color.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Salad of runner beans and tenderstem broccoli
Noodles made from fresh summer vegetables
A simple noodle dish that takes advantage of the best seasonal summer ingredients.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for Summer Vegetable Spaghetti
Garlic and thyme chicken with vegetable penne from Slimming World
Slimming World has provided yet another delicious quick pasta recipe. If you're trying to cut back on calories, this is a great option. It is low in fat and ready in 20 minutes.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Slimming World's recipe for garlic and thyme chicken with vegetable penne
Lamb chops with balsamic glaze and minted beans
(Photo courtesy of TI Media)
All of the traditional flavors combine to create the ultimate Sunday roast dinner recipe.
Mint pairs beautifully with peas and beans, amplifying their delicious beany flavor and adding a lovely freshness to this dish.
Get the recipe here: (Opens in a new window) Recipe for balsamic lamb chops with minted beans
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