How to Cook Fresh Italian Green Beans for a Perfect Side Dish

Italian green beans, known as fagiolini, make for a flavorful and healthy accompaniment to many Italian dishes. Their tender crunch and versatility lend well to a variety of cooking methods. If you’ve recently acquired fresh Italian green beans and need some guidance on the best ways to cook them, you’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find tips for selecting, prepping, and cooking green beans the Italian way.

Selecting Fresh Italian Green Beans

When choosing Italian green beans look for ones that are

• Vibrant green – Avoid beans that look dull or yellowish
• Slender and uniform in size – Thinner beans cook more evenly
• Firm and crisp – Pass on limp, bendy beans past their prime
• Free of blemishes – Small brown spots are ok but avoid major bruises

The best beans will snap crisply when bent. Size can range from 3-8 inches long. You may see flat Italian romano beans or round string beans. Both work beautifully! Farmers markets and specialty grocers offer the freshest picks.

Prepping the Beans

Before cooking you’ll need to trim and clean the beans

• Trim both stem and tip ends with a knife or kitchen shears
• Rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or debris
• Pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish cloth
• Leave smaller beans whole. Cut larger beans in half lengthwise for even cooking.

Leave thin beans intact to preserve their sleek shape. Trimming them ahead of time prevents the ends from burning while cooking.

Cooking Methods for Fresh Italian Green Beans

You’ll want to cook the beans just until tender-crisp, around 3-5 minutes. This preserves their bright color and delicate crunch. Here are some classic Italian techniques:

Sauteing

Sauteing caramelizes the beans lightly while infusing flavor. You’ll need

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb green beans, prepped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes. Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper.

Blanching

Blanching rapidly boils the beans before shocking them in ice water to stop cooking. To blanch:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add beans and boil for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain and transfer beans to a bowl of ice water. Let sit 1 minute to cool. Drain again.

Blanched beans will be brightly colored and maintain their crunch. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice or zest, and fresh herbs.

Roasting

Roasting concentrates the beans’ sweet, earthy flavor. To roast:

• Toss beans in 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
• Roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned, turning halfway.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped walnuts when done.

Steaming

Steaming is a fast, low-fat cooking method. It preserves nutrients best.

• Place a steamer basket or colander over 1 inch of boiling water.
• Add prepped beans, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Stir-frying

Stir-frying yields tender yet crisp beans. You’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb green beans, cut diagonally
• 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with soy sauce and sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Seasoning Your Green Beans

Once cooked, there are endless ways to add Italian flair:

• Toss in minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
• Top with grated lemon zest and/or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, or parsley
• Toast pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts and sprinkle over the beans
• Grate Parmesan cheese over the beans for savory richness
• Season with balsamic glaze or good-quality balsamic vinegar

Aim for 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning or garnishes per serving. Taste as you go and adjust to your preferences.

Pairing Your Italian Green Beans

Cooked green beans pair wonderfully with:

• Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp
• Pasta dishes, risottos, and Italian baked fish
• Parmesan-crusted chicken or pork
• Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
• Grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or lamb
• Salads with balsamic vinaigrette
• Focaccia, bruschetta, or garlic bread

Their mild, vegetal flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Offer them as a side, toss them into pasta, or add them to salads.

Storing and Freezing Italian Green Beans

To store cooked beans:

• Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
• To freeze, spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container up to 6 months.

To store uncooked beans:

• Place dry, unwashed beans in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer up to 1 week.
• Do not wash until ready to use.
• For longer storage, blanch 2-3 minutes, shock in ice water, pat dry, and freeze up to 8 months.

Simple Yet Satisfying

Italian green beans offer a crisp, nutritious accompaniment to all types of Italian cuisine. Treat them right by selecting fresh, trim-ming carefully, and avoiding overcooking. Then customize them with herbs, oils, cheeses, nuts or other touches of Italian flavor. Served alongside pasta, protein or salads, beautiful Italian green beans will grace your table in style.