How to Cook Purple Green Beans for Maximum Flavor and Nutrition

Its difficult not to be enticed by the sight of fresh purple beans. The vegetable’s beautiful colors, which range from violet to aubergine, stand out a lot against its pale yellow and green counterparts.

As soon as the beans are cooked, the purple color goes away (it’s only stored in the outer layer) almost as quickly as you raise the heat under them.

Soon, you’ll be left with beans that are almost exactly the same as French green beans, which are the normal green kind. However, some customers say that the temporarily purple varieties are a little sweeter and nuttier.

Even so, these vegetables are unique in their own right, and you can cook them in any way that you would cook French green beans. Consider the color-changing charm a handy visual cue for the beans doneness.

Purple green beans, also known as purple string beans, are a visually striking variety of green beans. When raw, they have a deep purple hue. But when cooked, that vibrant pigment fades quickly, leaving tender green beans with a slightly nuttier, sweeter taste than traditional green beans.

Purple beans can be substituted into any recipe calling for standard green beans. Their versatility and nutrition make them a tasty addition to many dishes. Follow these tips on the best ways to cook fresh purple beans at home.

Prepping Purple Beans

Begin prepping the beans by rinsing them under cold running water in a colander, Slice off both tips of each bean Leave beans whole or cut into uniform slices or pieces for even cooking

Boiling

Boiling is a simple way to prepare purple beans Fill a pot with enough water to cover the beans completely Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add prepped beans and cook for 6-8 minutes until desired tenderness is reached. Drain and toss with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

To add more flavor, use half water and half vegetable or chicken stock when boiling. Just watch the pot closely so the broth does not boil over.

Microwaving

For a quick cooking method, purple beans can be microwaved. Place prepped beans in a microwave-safe bowl and add about 1/2 cup water. Cover the bowl and microwave for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently, until the beans are crisp-tender. Drain any excess water before serving.

Steaming

Steaming is a healthy, low-fat way to cook purple green beans. Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch it. Add beans to the basket in a single layer.

Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and fork-tender. Check frequently to avoid overcooking. Drizzle with olive oil and spices after steaming.

Stir-Frying

To stir-fry, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add prepped beans and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and tender-crisp. Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and other stir-fry flavors.

Stir-frying at high heat brings out the beans’ sweetness. They make an excellent addition to any protein and veggie stir-fry combo.

Roasting

Roasting concentrates the flavor of purple beans and gives them a crispy texture. Toss beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and tender.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs in the last few minutes for extra flavor. Roasted purple beans pair well with lean proteins like chicken or fish.

Sautéing

Sautéing purple beans in a skillet on the stovetop is fast and easy. Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced or whole beans and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until bright green and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or lemon juice.

Adding Flavor

Beyond basic salt and pepper, purple beans take well to many seasoning combinations. Try mixing in any of the following:

Minced garlic or garlic powder
Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
Lemon or lime juice
Crumbled bacon
Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
Cajun or Creole seasoning
Chopped fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil

Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your favorite flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Purple green beans pair well with all kinds of meals and make a fast, nutrient-packed side. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:

As a side dish with grilled salmon or chicken.
Added to pasta with tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
On top of a fresh garden salad.
Pureed into a creamy vegetable soup.
In a veggie stir-fry over brown rice.
On an antipasto platter.

Their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into many dishes. Try substituting purple beans into any recipe that calls for standard green beans.

Storing Fresh Purple Beans

For optimal freshness, store unwashed purple beans in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Keep around 41°F. Properly stored, they will last 3-5 days. Wash just before cooking.

Cooked purple beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Health Benefits of Purple Beans

Along with their visual appeal, purple green beans provide a boost of nutrition. Some of the key nutrients and benefits found in purple beans include:

Vitamin C – Important for immune health and antioxidant protection. Just 1 cup cooked provides 14% DV.
Vitamin K – Supports bone and heart health. Contains 24% DV per cup.
Fiber – Aids digestion and gut health. Contains 3 grams fiber per cup.
Folate – Essential for cell growth and development. Has 7% DV per cup.
Potassium – Helps regulate fluid balance. Contains 288mg per cup.
Iron – Carries oxygen in the blood. Provides 5% DV per cup.

With their brilliant purple hues and impressive nutrient profile, purple string beans make a tasty, versatile, and nutrition-packed addition to any meal. Follow the easy cooking methods above to enjoy their full flavor, texture, and health benefits.

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FAQ

Do purple green beans taste different?

A colorful addition to your CSA box, purple green beans offer the same taste and texture as basic green beans. Sliced diagonally and used fresh in salads, they retain their beautiful rich color. But when cooked, their exterior will fade from purple to green.

How to cook purple beans so they stay purple?

The way to prevent or lessen the color change of any cooked purple vegetable is to soak it before cooking in vinegar or lemon juice, increasing the acidity. Then minimize cooking. Because anthocyanins are tasteless, preserving the purple color will have no effect on flavor.

Do purple beans turn green when you cook them?

Next time you’re at a farmer’s market, see if you can find purple beans. They taste just like green beans and can be used the same way — the only difference is their gorgeous amethyst hue. The caveat, though, is that when cooked, that purple turns into green.

What are the purple green beans?

Purple string beans are simply a purple version of classic green beans or wax beans. They lose their purple color when cooked, so consider them for raw recipes or lightly steam them and dip them into ice water to preserve as much of their color as possible.