If you’re a gardener or a fan of farmers’ markets, you might find yourself facing a common problem: what to do with too many string beans. Whether you’ve harvested a bountiful crop or simply bought too many at the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to use them all up before they go bad. But fear not, dear bean enthusiasts! There are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use up a string bean surplus.
Preserving Your Bounty
Before we dive into the various ways to use up your string beans, let’s talk about preserving them. If you’re not ready to use them all up right away, there are several ways to preserve them for later use.
Freezing
Freezing is a great way to preserve string beans, and it’s relatively easy to do. Simply blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once they’re cool, you can package them up in airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 8 months.
Canning
Canning is another popular way to preserve string beans. You can can them whole, sliced, or chopped, and they’ll keep for up to a year in the pantry. Just be sure to follow safe canning practices to avoid spoilage and foodborne illness.
Pickling
Pickling is a great way to add some flavor to your string beans, and it’s a lot easier than canning. Simply slice the beans thinly and soak them in a brine made with vinegar, salt, and spices. You can store them in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Cooking with String Beans
Now that we’ve covered preserving, let’s talk about cooking with string beans. There are countless ways to prepare them, from simple steaming to complex stir-fries.
Steaming
Steaming is one of the easiest ways to cook string beans, and it’s a great way to preserve their nutrients. Simply place the beans in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 4-6 minutes until tender.
Roasting
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in string beans, and it’s a great way to add some depth of flavor. Simply toss the beans with olive oil, salt, and your choice of aromatics (such as garlic, lemon, or herbs), and roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a great way to add some excitement to your string beans, and it’s a lot faster than roasting. Simply heat some oil in a wok or large skillet, add the beans and your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu), and stir-fry until the beans are tender and the protein is cooked through.
Adding String Beans to Your Favorite Dishes
String beans are a versatile ingredient, and they can be added to a wide range of dishes to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Salads
String beans are a great addition to salads, and they can be used in place of other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots. Try adding them to a simple green salad, or use them as the base for a more substantial grain salad.
Pasta Dishes
String beans pair well with pasta, especially in creamy sauces. Try adding them to a carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Stews and Soups
String beans can be added to a wide range of stews and soups, from hearty beef stews to light and refreshing soups like minestrone. They add a burst of flavor and color to any dish.
Getting Creative with String Beans
If you’re looking for some more creative ways to use up your string beans, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Make a String Bean Gratin
A gratin is a type of casserole that’s topped with a crispy, cheesy crust. To make a string bean gratin, simply layer the beans in a baking dish with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Use String Beans in a Slaw
String beans can be used in place of cabbage to make a delicious and refreshing slaw. Simply shred the beans and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, and serve as a side dish or topping for sandwiches.
Make String Bean Hummus
Yes, you can make hummus with string beans! Simply puree the beans with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, and serve as a dip or spread.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are countless ways to use up a string bean surplus. Whether you’re looking to preserve them for later use or cook them up in a variety of dishes, there’s no shortage of creative and delicious options. So next time you find yourself facing a bean bonanza, don’t be overwhelmed – get creative and enjoy the bounty!
| Preservation Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Freezing | Up to 8 months |
| Canning | Up to 1 year |
| Pickling | Up to 6 months |
- Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes
- Shock the beans in an ice bath to stop the cooking process
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Stir-frying
What are some creative ways to use up a string bean surplus?
There are many creative ways to use up a string bean surplus. You can pickle them, freeze them, or use them in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and salads. You can also use them as a crunchy snack on their own or as a topping for other dishes. Additionally, you can use them to make string bean hummus or as a side dish roasted with garlic and lemon.
Some other ideas include using them in Asian-style dishes such as stir-fries and noodle dishes, or in Mediterranean dishes such as salads and stews. You can also use them to make a string bean gratin or as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you can use up your string bean surplus in no time.
How do I pickle string beans?
To pickle string beans, you will need a jar with a lid, vinegar, salt, and any other desired spices or seasonings. Start by washing and trimming the string beans, then pack them into the jar. Next, create a brine by mixing the vinegar, salt, and any other desired spices or seasonings with water. Pour the brine over the string beans, making sure that they are completely covered. Finally, seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator.
The pickling process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the desired level of sourness. You can also add other ingredients to the jar, such as garlic or dill, to give the pickled string beans extra flavor. Once the pickling process is complete, you can store the pickled string beans in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Can I freeze string beans?
Yes, you can freeze string beans. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve string beans and keep them fresh for several months. To freeze string beans, start by washing and trimming them. Next, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to inactivate the enzymes that can cause spoilage. Then, immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once the string beans have cooled, you can package them in airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer. Frozen string beans are perfect for using in soups, stews, and casseroles, and they can also be used as a side dish. Simply thaw them out and sauté them with some garlic and lemon juice for a quick and easy side dish.
How do I use string beans in a stir-fry?
To use string beans in a stir-fry, start by washing and trimming them. Then, heat some oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the string beans to the pan and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Next, add your desired stir-fry ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and your favorite protein, to the pan.
Continue to stir-fry the ingredients for another 2-3 minutes, or until the string beans are tender but still crisp. Season the stir-fry with soy sauce and serve it over rice or noodles. You can also add other ingredients to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers and onions, to give it extra flavor and texture.
Can I use string beans in a salad?
Yes, you can use string beans in a salad. In fact, string beans are a great addition to many types of salads, including green salads, pasta salads, and quinoa salads. To use string beans in a salad, start by washing and trimming them. Then, slice them into thin strips or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Add the string beans to your salad along with your desired ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. You can also add a homemade vinaigrette to the salad to give it extra flavor. String beans add a nice crunch and flavor to salads, and they are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
How do I roast string beans?
To roast string beans, start by washing and trimming them. Then, toss them with some olive oil, salt, and your desired seasonings, such as garlic powder and lemon zest. Spread the string beans out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
You can also add other ingredients to the baking sheet, such as cherry tomatoes and onions, to give the roasted string beans extra flavor. Roasted string beans make a great side dish and can be served hot or cold. They are also a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Can I use string beans in a soup?
Yes, you can use string beans in a soup. In fact, string beans are a great addition to many types of soups, including minestrone, creamy soups, and clear soups. To use string beans in a soup, start by washing and trimming them. Then, add them to the pot along with your desired ingredients, such as vegetables, beans, and broth.
Let the soup simmer until the string beans are tender, then season it with your desired herbs and spices. You can also puree the soup to give it a creamy texture. String beans add a nice flavor and texture to soups, and they are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.