Make Ahead

Braised Runner Beans

by:
February 26, 2011
4.3
3 Ratings
  • Serves four
Author Notes

When we lived in London, I discovered runner beans. They have a wonderful flavor and somehow a small looking bunch seems to turn into a good-sized side dish. this is a simple preperation, with a few varriations. I sometimes add tomatoes, but not always. The dish does need a touch of acid, which teh tomatoes will give it, but a splash of vinegar is good. —innoabrd

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch runner beans
  • 3 thick slices of pancetta or good quality bacon
  • 1 onion
  • 1 can of chopped Italian tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper
Directions
  1. Slice the beans thinly along the bias.
  2. In a saute pan, cook the pancetta/bacon over medium/high heat to render the fat, but not crisp.
  3. Add the onion and saute until translucent.
  4. Add the beans and turn a few times to coat. Add the tomatoes as well, if using.
  5. Add the water, vinegar and salt and pepper, quickly cover and turn the heat to low.
  6. Cook, covered, for 7-10 minutes, until the beans are cooked through, but still have some crunch. Adjust the seasoning and serve.
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  • Sagegreen
    Sagegreen
  • hardlikearmour
    hardlikearmour
  • DJean
    DJean
  • innoabrd
    innoabrd

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7 Reviews

DJean
DJean October 5, 2014
Having only purchased beans loose beans from a bin, I'm not sure how much a bunch of beans would be. Please advise ;~}
 
innoabrd
innoabrd October 5, 2014
In this case, we're speaking of the fresh bean, harvested before the pods swell. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/runner-beans
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen February 26, 2011
SOunds so good. Am thinking I will grow some as well, even though I mostly do herbs these days.
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour February 26, 2011
Nice! I'm planting 2 varieties of runner beans along my fence this summer (mainly for the flowers; the beans are an added bonus.)
 
innoabrd
innoabrd February 26, 2011
Me, I'd see the flowers as a bonus. Runner beans are delicious!
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour February 26, 2011
It's funny, because in the US runner beans are mainly grown for the flowers! Other places they're grown for the bean. Sometimes our priorities are a bit out of whack!
 
innoabrd
innoabrd February 26, 2011
Wonder if it's one of those 'old-fashioned' veggies that simply fell out of fashion? Be sure to harvest them while they're green and still flat. You want to eat the whole thing, pod and all.