Delicious Recipes for Runner Beans: From Simple Sides to Flavorful Mains

Runner beans, with their vibrant green color and tender texture, are a summer garden staple. But beyond simply boiling them, there's a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. This comprehensive guide offers a range of runner bean recipes, catering to various tastes and skill levels. From quick and easy side dishes to more elaborate main courses, you'll find inspiration to elevate this humble vegetable to new heights.

Simple & Speedy Runner Bean Recipes

These recipes are perfect for weeknight meals, requiring minimal prep time and effort.

1. Garlic Butter Runner Beans

This classic side dish is incredibly easy and complements almost any main course.

Ingredients:

• 500g runner beans, trimmed and halved or quartered
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the runner beans until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked runner beans to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

2. Runner Bean Salad with Lemon & Herbs

A refreshing and light salad ideal for summer lunches or barbecues.

Ingredients:

• 500g runner beans, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the runner beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them vibrant green and crisp.
2. Drain the beans well and place them in a bowl.
3. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the beans and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

More Adventurous Runner Bean Recipes

For those looking to push their culinary boundaries, these recipes offer more complex flavor profiles and textures.

3. Runner Bean and Sausage Casserole

A hearty and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for a cooler evening.

Ingredients:

• 500g runner beans, trimmed and chopped
• 500g sausages, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Vegetable or chicken stock (as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausages in a large ovenproof dish. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the dish and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the runner beans and sausages back to the dish. Pour in enough stock to almost cover the ingredients.
5. Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

4. Runner Bean Curry

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian curry that showcases the versatility of runner beans. (Adapt spice level to your preference).

Ingredients:

• 500g runner beans, trimmed and sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (or more, to taste)
• 400ml coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the runner beans and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with cooked rice.

Tips for Preparing Runner Beans

• Trim the beans: Remove the stringy ends before cooking. For younger, smaller beans, you may only need to trim the ends. Larger beans will benefit from being halved or quartered lengthways.
• Don't overcook: Overcooked runner beans become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Blanch for vibrant color: Blanching in boiling water followed by an ice bath helps retain the bright green color of the beans.

By experimenting with these recipes and techniques, you can discover the many delicious ways to enjoy runner beans throughout the summer and beyond. Remember to adjust seasoning and spices to suit your personal preferences. Happy cooking!