These Italian Green Beans take frozen green beans and season them with just a few simple herbs and spices to make a great side dish.
Italian green beans are also known as Romano beans. These bean pods are broader and flatter than the standard green bean. While the flavor is very similar, some people think that Romano beans have a more bean-like taste.
I have made this recipe with Italian green beans and with regular green beans. As pictured, it is with Romano beans. Of course, I just grab whichever bag I have on hand most of the time; the taste is great either way.
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.
Italian Green Beans Recipe
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- frozen Italian green beans
- olive oil and butter
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
- crushed red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- fresh Italian parsley
Start by steaming the green beans in the microwave according to package instructions. Then, in a skillet over medium-low heat, mix the garlic, olive oil, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds, swirling the pan a couple of times as the spices warm. Then, add the green beans. Stir to coat them with the oil and spices.
Continue cooking for about 2 more minutes. Then, add a tablespoon of butter and stir to melt.
Sprinkle with parsley, or even parmesan cheese or toasted bread crumbs, and serve warm.
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GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE | Easy Italian Side Dish
FAQ
What is the difference between green beans and Italian green beans?
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