Runner beans

ceridwen

Has anyone got any good ideas on how best to use runner beans please?

I dont want to just boil or steam them - and need a method that will deal with the "too stringy to eat" thing that sometimes happens (or is that down to the "brand" of runner bean one is using....)?

thriftlady_2

If they are stringy use a knife to peel away the sides.

I love them in cheese sauce. They are also good made into chutney or curry.

ubamother

if you make an italian style tomato-based sauce as you would for pasta, blanch the beans then cook together as a casserole - lovely with crusty fresh bread.

scuzz

If they're stringy that would suggest they're beyond their best. Are you growing them or buying them in the shops?

If your growing them, you can usually tell which will be string by the big fat bean bulges. These are best left to bulk up some more and then dry the beans out ready to plant next year.

Personally I love them just steamed - they're my favourite veggie.

boredofbeingathome

Mine never got anywhere near preservation last year. Picked, steamed and ate with butter nearly every night.

balmaiden

If they are stringy and past their best. The pink beans inside can be taken out and dried for use in chillies, casseroles etc

Butterfly_Brain

Stringy Beans are old so best to buy fresh and use or freeze straight away.

I use runner beans in casseroles and stir fries

ceridwen

Thanks all for the helpful comments - there's a couple of suggestions I'm thinking of working through.

Think I might start with the tomato pasta sauce with runnerbeans in as a casserole....thinks could maybe chuck in some chickpeas as well....hmmm...

Stirfries sounds possible. In cheese sauce sounds possible.

Must remember - big fat beans means probably stringy - good hint there.

Thanks again.

morganlefay

As long as they arent so old that they've got big pink beans in them I shave off the sides with a potato peeler and then chop or slice them. That makes even quite big ones not stringy any more....

Debt_Free_Chick

Delia Smith's Spiced Pickled Runner Beans

Think "piccalilli" ..... yummmmm......

redfraggle_2

I've just been given a carrier bag full from a neighbour. I'm afraid I don't really like them and was wondering if anyone had any inspiration? Could i mix them in with other veggies for stock?

On an associated note I'm having a party and have just realised that 50 people are coming so any recipes that turn them into a salad or buffet dish very gratefully received!