Wax beans, also called yellow wax beans, are a type of edible bean that is like green beans but doesn’t have the chlorophyll that makes them green. They make a simple side dish that shows off summer produce and taste great when mixed with fresh basil and garlic that has been sautéed.
We found these wax beans at a farm stand this summer. You don’t normally find these beans in a grocery store.
Unfortunately, wax beans have a name that doesn’t do them justice. They taste and feel a lot like green beans, even though their name isn’t very exciting.
The only thing that makes them different is that green beans have chlorophyll, which makes them green. Wax beans, on the other hand, don’t have chlorophyll, so they look yellow.
If you want to cook or serve yellow wax beans, you can do the same things you do with green beans. For summer, we love grilling green beans. You can easily swap wax beans into that recipe.
And this easy way to cook beans for only a few minutes, then sauté them with garlic and fresh basil is a great summer combination.
Yellow beans fresh from the garden are a delicious summer treat. Their bright color and tender texture make them a tasty addition to many dishes. If your garden is producing more yellow beans than you know what to do with have no fear! Here are 10 creative and delicious ways to put those homegrown yellow beans to good use
1. Sauté Yellow Beans
One of the simplest ways to prepare fresh yellow beans is to lightly sauté them. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the washed and trimmed yellow beans along with desired seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Serve as a side or incorporate into main dishes.
2. Roast Yellow Beans
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of yellow beans. Toss cleaned beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or chopped nuts when done for extra flavor.
3. Grill Yellow Beans
Grilling yellow beans adds delicious charred bits while retaining their crisp-tender texture. Toss whole beans in oil and seasonings of choice Grill over direct medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with vinaigrette
4. Pickle Yellow Beans
Preserve the yellow bean harvest by pickling them! Clean and trim beans then pack into sterilized jars. Bring equal parts vinegar and water plus salt, garlic, and dill to a boil and pour over beans. Seal jars and let cool completely before storing. Enjoy pickled beans on salads sandwiches, antipasto platters.
5. Yellow Bean Salad
Yellow beans pair well with fresh greens and vinaigrettes for easy salads. Mix blanched beans with field greens, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped hard-boiled egg, and crumbled feta or goat cheese. Dress with a red wine vinaigrette. Chill before serving for perfect summer lunches or potlucks.
6. Add to Soups
Soups and stews are enhanced by the addition of yellow beans. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and texture. Try them in minestrone, chicken noodle soup, veggie chili, or white bean and kale soup.
7. Sauté with Bacon
For next-level flavor, cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon bits and sauté yellow beans in the rendered bacon fat. Cook until tender-crisp then toss with crumbled bacon. The smoky, salty bacon complements the beans perfectly.
8. Yellow Bean Casserole
Make this classic comfort food with your own yellow beans. Sauté onions and beans in butter until soft. Transfer to a baking dish and stir in cream of mushroom soup and fried onion rings. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
9. Serve Raw
Yellow beans can be eaten raw for a crisp, refreshing taste. Rinse and snap off the stem end of raw beans. Serve with hummus, bean dips, or other creative protein sources for an easy appetizer or healthy snack.
10. Freeze for Later
To enjoy your yellow bean bounty year-round, freeze them! Blanch beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Shock in ice bath to stop cooking. Drain, pack into bags, and freeze. Frozen yellow beans retain their texture and flavor well for cooking all winter long.
With these simple yet creative ideas, you can enjoy those delicious homegrown yellow beans in many dishes beyond just side salads. Sauté, roast, pickle, grill or incorporate them into soups, casseroles, bacon dishes, and more. Freezing lets you save the harvest to savor their garden-fresh taste in the off-season too.
So next time your yellow bean vines are thriving, try out these handy tips and recipes. Your family will love exploring new ways to put those vibrant, tender yellow beans to use straight from the garden.
WHERE AND WHEN TO BUY WAX BEANS
Many grocery stores sell canned yellow beans all year long. But if you want fresh ones, you’ll probably have the best luck at farmer’s markets and farm stands from the middle of summer to the beginning of fall.
They’re usually in season around the same time as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and okra.
HOW TO MAKE THIS WAX BEAN RECIPE
Start by trimming the bean ends.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Once boiling, add the wax beans and cook for two minutes. Remove the beans with a handheld strainer and transfer to a large bowl with ice water.
This is called blanching, and it stops the cooking process right away so the beans don’t keep cooking after they come out of the water.
Put the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. You can also use butter, ghee, or even bacon grease to cook the beans. Sauté the garlic for a minute until fragrant then add the blanched yellow beans to the skillet.
Toss to coat in the garlic mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil and serve.
Canning Green Beans And Yellow Wax Beans From Our Raised Bed Garden
FAQ
What are yellow beans good for?
How to preserve yellow beans from the garden?
How long do yellow beans last after picking?
What’s the difference between yellow beans and green beans?
What to do with yellow beans?
Yellow beans with their tender texture and delicate flavor, makes a delightful addition to any meal. One of the tastiest ways to prepare them is by boiling them with bacon pieces, draining the water, and then tossing the beans with some melted butter.
Can you cook yellow beans whole?
You can leave them whole, or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. One of the simplest and most popular ways to cook fresh yellow beans is by boiling them. Simply bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the beans, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
How do you cook yellow beans in the oven?
For a delicious and hands-off way to cook fresh yellow beans, try roasting them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F and toss the beans with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and starting to brown in spots.
How do you cook yellow beans in a crock pot?
Prepare the Yellow Beans: Trim the ends off the beans and cut into 2 inch pieces. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt. Boil the Beans with the Bacon: In a large pot, combine the prepared yellow beans, real bacon bits, salt, and enough cold water to cover all the beans. Bring the beans to a boil over medium heat.