To cook runner beans, follow these steps:
- Prepare the beans : Trim the ends and remove the strings along the sides using a vegetable peeler or your fingers. Then slice the beans, preferably at an angle for a nicer presentation
- Cooking methods :
- Boiling : Bring a pan of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced runner beans and cook for 5-8 minutes until tender but still with a slight bite. Smaller or younger beans may take less time (3-4 minutes)
* **Sautéing** : Toss the sliced beans in a hot pan with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they develop a slight char
* **Steaming** : Steam the beans for 3-4 minutes for a tender-crisp texture, or up to 15-20 minutes if preferred softer
- Serving : Drain the beans well after cooking. They can be served simply with salt and butter or tossed in sauces such as garlic and onion butter, vinaigrette, or added to salads and stews
- Additional tips :
- To keep the beans bright green when serving cold, plunge them into cold water immediately after cooking
* Runner beans pair well with flavors like lemon, garlic, onion, herbs (basil, tarragon), and salty ingredients like anchovies or feta
This approach ensures runner beans are cooked to tender yet crisp perfection and can be adapted to various dishes
