Romano beans, Italian flat beans, runner beans, and pole beans are all names for flat green beans. They are a nice change from the more common type of green beans.
They make a delicious side dish when quickly blanched, charred and drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. An easy recipe in just 10 minutes!.
These fresh green beans are from Italy and can be found at some grocery stores or at your local farmer’s market. Some people call them “snap beans” because when they are ripe, they break apart easily.
Flat beans can be boiled, sautéed, steamed, braised or grilled. I love the smoky taste from charring them on the grill. A dental hygienist, Maria, turned me on to them.
Before I cook the beans, I like to blanch them for a few minutes in the microwave or under boiling water. This maintains a beautiful bright green color and shortens the grilling to just a few minutes.
You can char them on the stove in a grill pan over medium-high heat if you don’t have a grill.
Flat green beans are sweet and tender with a bit of crunch. Lemon zest and mint are perfect garnishes, but check out other options in ‘tailor to your taste’.
Flat green beans, also known as Italian green beans or Romano beans, are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. Their wide, flat shape and slightly dense texture sets them apart from regular green beans. If you’re wondering how to cook flat green beans properly to bring out their best flavor and texture, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process.
Selecting Fresh Flat Green Beans
It all starts with choosing fresh, high-quality flat green beans. Here’s what to look for:
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Bright, vibrant green color. Avoid any yellowing.
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Firm, crunchy texture. Beans should not be limp.
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Smooth, blemish-free skin. Watch for spots, bruises or scarring.
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Slender, uniform width. Avoid overly bulky or mature beans.
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Abundant freshness. Pick beans with lively, perky stems.
Examine both sides of the bean pod. The best test for freshness is a firm crunch when gently snapped in half. Pass on beans that appear old, limp or overly mature.
Proper Storage
Once home:
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Trim stem ends for longer shelf life.
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Place unwashed beans in a plastic bag in the warmest part of the fridge.
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Use within 3-5 days for maximum flavor and texture.
Proper storage preserves freshness and ensures your flat green beans live up to their cooking potential.
Washing and Prepping the Beans
Before cooking, thoroughly wash beans under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off excess moisture.
Trim both ends of the beans:
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Remove dried, woody stem end.
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Snip off the tip end.
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Discard any discolored or blemished portions.
Finally, cut beans into uniform 1-2 inch pieces. This promotes even cooking.
Your flat green beans are now ready for your preferred cooking method.
Cooking Methods for Flat Green Beans
Flat green beans work well with:
- Boiling
- Steaming
- Sautéing
- Stir-frying
Choose a technique based on the flavors, textures and overall dish you want to create.
Boiling
Boiling is a quick, simple way to cook flat green beans while retaining nutrients.
- Bring salted water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Add prepped beans and cook uncovered 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain immediately and shock in ice water to stop cooking.
The beans should remain bright green and firm but with no crunch. Add seasonings like garlic, lemon juice or herbs after draining.
Steaming
Steaming flat green beans preserves both color and snap:
- In a pot with steamer basket, bring water to a boil.
- Add beans, cover and steam 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and season as desired.
Steaming avoids nutrient loss compared to boiling but takes a few minutes longer.
Sautéing
For deeper flavor, try sautéing flat green beans:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté briefly.
- Add green beans and sauté 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season with salt, pepper and spices like red pepper flakes.
The high heat helps caramelize the beans’ sugars for richer taste.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying adds smoky wok flavors to flat green beans:
- Heat oil in wok on high until shimmering.
- Add sliced garlic and ginger, stir-frying briefly.
- Add beans and stir-fry 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Splash soy sauce or oyster sauce on beans before removing from heat.
Stir-frying’s high heat thoroughly cooks beans while leaving a slight crunch.
Seasoning Your Cooked Flat Green Beans
Once cooked, flat green beans provide a perfect canvas for flavor. Consider:
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or basil
- Spices such as cumin, paprika or cayenne
- Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar
- Savory umami-boosters like soy sauce or fish sauce
- Aromatic alliums like garlic, shallots or onions
- Toasted nuts like almonds, pine nuts or walnuts
- Grated citrus zest for a pop of bright flavor
Mix and match seasonings to amplify the taste of your flat green beans.
Complementary Dishes and Serving Ideas
Here are some tasty ways to serve your cooked flat green beans:
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As a side to simply grilled or roasted meats like chicken, beef or fish.
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In a salad with cherry tomatoes, feta and Kalamata olives.
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Sautéed with shrimp, chicken or tofu for a quick protein-packed dinner.
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Blanched briefly and served cool as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
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On kabobs or skewers along with meat, onions and mushrooms.
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As a pizza topping along with mozzarella, red pepper flakes and Parmesan.
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In a veggie stir-fry with snap peas, water chestnuts and red bell pepper.
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In pastas, risottos and frittatas for extra color and crunch.
So try something new next time a recipe calls for green beans! With proper prep and cooking techniques, flat green beans offer a flavorful twist on an old standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flat green beans?
Flat green beans are a variety of green beans with a wide, flat pod rather than the rounded shape of regular green beans. They have a dense, meaty texture. Other names include Italian green beans or Romano beans.
How do flat green beans differ from regular green beans?
Flat green beans are larger in diameter with a flatter pod and thicker flesh. They have a more substantial “snap” than traditional round green beans. The flavor is often described as sweeter and more herbaceous.
Are flat green beans healthy?
Absolutely! Like other green beans, they are low in calories and high in fiber with plenty of vitamins A, C and K as well as antioxidants and plant compounds. They make a very nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
What are some substitutes for flat green beans?
You can substitute regular green beans or haricots verts. While the shape and texture differs slightly, they work well in most recipes calling for flat green beans. Snow peas or sugar snap peas also make great stand-ins.
How do I store fresh flat green beans?
Store unwashed flat green beans in a perforated plastic bag in the warmest part of the refrigerator. Use within 3 to 5 days for best taste and texture. Promptly cooking prepares them for longer freezer storage.
With their signature crunch, sweet herbal flavors and stellar nutrition, flat green beans deserve a regular spot on your dinner table. Now that you know how to select, prep and cook them skillfully, enjoy this versatile vegetable at its delicious best.
What to serve with flat beans
Since this side dish recipe is simply prepared, the green beans pair with just about any protein. Their vibrant color adds pizzazz to your food presentation. Here are a few suggestions for what to serve with the flat beans.
According to Wikipedia, there are 130 varieties for edible pod beans. To simplify, they fall into two basic types – bush beans and pole beans. Italian flat beans fall in the pole group. Bush beans grow on short bushy plants about 2 feet/0. 61m tall. Pole beans are grown on tall climbing vines up to 12 feet/3. 6m. Pole beans are sweeter than bush beans and can be used in most common string beans recipes.
Yes. According to WebMD beans are very healthy. They are a good source of vitamin A, K, C, protein, folate and fiber, making them heart-healthy. They are also known as a low FODMAP food which is good for people with digestive issues according to Healthline.
Figure about 1/3 of a pound (150g) per serving. About 4-5 beans.
Yes. If they cook too long, they can turn mushy or glutinous.
Ingredients – tailored to your taste
Romano beans, Italian flat beans, runner beans, and pole beans are some other names for flat beans. You can find them at your local farmer’s market or some grocery stores.
Vinaigrette: This one is made with lemon, Dijon, garlic and olive oil.
- Use any vinaigrette you like (about 2 tablespoons).
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat if you like.
- Add a garnish. Mint leaves and lemon zest go well with flat beans. You could also try a few drops of sesame oil or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction. Sprinkle on 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds and Italian seasoning. Add crushed toasted nuts for crunch.