Ina Garten’s Perfect Flat Beans With Pecorino Recipe

Flat beans offer an unexpected canvas for flavor and creativity.

Their wide surface caramelizes beautifully when cooked at high heat.

Pecorino adds sharp, salty contrast that pairs well with the beans’ mild taste.

A touch of lemon or garlic rounds everything out.

Great as a side dish or part of a salad, it’s quick and satisfying.

Give this humble vegetable a chance to shine.

Add Some Zing with Lemon or Chili

• Zesty Mediterranean Beans: Toss cooked beans with lemon zest, chopped fresh oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that adds bright, tangy flavors.
• Roasted Garlic Herb Beans: Roast whole garlic cloves alongside the beans, then crush and mix them with fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic, rustic approach that enhances the vegetable's natural earthiness.
• Spicy Parmesan Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes over the beans, replacing Pecorino with aged Parmesan for a crispy, heat-packed alternative that provides extra texture and kick.
• Asian-Inspired Soy Beans: Drizzle the cooked beans with sesame oil, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and add a splash of soy sauce for an umami-rich variation that transforms the classic recipe with minimal effort.

One Salty Bite to Say Ciao

Ina Garten’s flat beans with Pecorino reveal Mediterranean simplicity at its finest.

Mediterranean kitchens whisper culinary secrets through this elegant side dish.

Rustic charm meets gourmet elegance with each carefully prepared green bean.

Pecorino’s sharp notes dance alongside earthy bean flavors, creating perfect harmony.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Such remarkable dishes invite comfortable connections between classic cooking and modern palates—explore, savor, share this delightful dish with passionate culinary companions who crave authentic, uncomplicated pleasures.

Why Flat Beans and Pecorino Are a Bold Combo

• Crunch and Simplicity: These flat beans offer a delightful crisp texture with minimal prep, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want a quick, elegant side dish.
• Bold Flavor Boost: The combination of sea salt, black pepper, and sharp Pecorino Romano transforms ordinary beans into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment that elevates any meal.
• Quick and Foolproof Method: Boiling for just 3 minutes ensures perfectly tender-crisp beans, while the simple seasoning technique makes this recipe practically impossible to mess up, even for novice cooks.
• Versatile Entertaining Star: This dish works brilliantly as a sophisticated side for dinner parties, family gatherings, or as a healthy, flavorful addition to weeknight meals, impressing guests with its simplicity and taste.

The Ingredient List That Brings Bite and Salt

• Flat Beans: Fresh, young beans with a tender texture and sweet flavor, best when bright green and crisp without blemishes.
• Sea Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural bean flavor during blanching, choose high-quality mineral-rich salt.

• Olive Oil: Rich, fruity oil to add depth and smooth coating to the beans, select extra virgin for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper for a warm, spicy kick that complements the beans' sweetness.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Sharp, salty Italian sheep's milk cheese that provides a rich, tangy finish, best when freshly shaved.

• Salt (for boiling water): Standard salt to season the water and help beans cook evenly, helps maintain bean color and texture.

Cook Flat Beans With a Touch of Italian Flair

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the beans.

Step 2: Cook Flat Beans

Carefully drop the trimmed flat beans into the bubbling water. Let them dance and cook for about 3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant green.

Step 3: Drain and Cool Beans

Quickly strain the beans in a colander, allowing excess water to drip away. Spread them out on a beautiful serving platter to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Dress and Season Beans

• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Gently toss the beans to ensure each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Add Cheese Finale

Scatter delicate shavings of Pecorino Romano over the top of the beans. The salty, tangy cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the beans.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the beans immediately while they’re warm, allowing the flavors to shine. This dish can be a stunning side or a light vegetable course that’ll impress any guest.

Tips for Perfect Bean Texture and Cheese Finish

• Perfectly Trim Those Beans: Slice off both ends of the flat beans with a sharp knife for uniform cooking and a polished presentation.
• Master the Boiling Technique: Hit the 3-minute mark when blanching beans to preserve their vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
• Shave Cheese Like a Pro: Grate Pecorino Romano directly over the dish moments before serving to capture its most intense, creamy flavor.
• Time Your Cooking Strategically: Prep all ingredients in advance so you can quickly assemble and serve the beans while they're piping hot and at peak deliciousness.
• Elevate with Premium Olive Oil: Drizzle a top-quality extra virgin olive oil to transform this simple side dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.

How to Store This Veggie Without Losing Crunch

• Freezing: Spread cooled beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag. Store flat beans for up to 3 months, preserving their crisp texture and flavor profile. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Meal Prep: Store unbaked flat beans separately from pecorino cheese. Keep trimmed beans in a damp paper towel inside a breathable plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Wrap grated pecorino tightly in wax paper or sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its sharp taste.
• Smart Storage: Position flat beans away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, which can accelerate spoilage. Place in the coolest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.

Ina Garten Flat Beans With Pecorino Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s flat beans with pecorino offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish that combines crisp green beans with salty, sharp cheese. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a quick, elegant addition to any seasonal meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh Romano or flat beans, trimmed
• 4 to 5 ounces (113 to 142 grams) shaved aged Pecorino Romano cheese

Seasoning:

• 1.5 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt or fleur de sel
• 0.75 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, incorporating of kosher salt to enhance the vegetable’s natural flavor.
2. Carefully submerge the trimmed green beans into the bubbling water, allowing them to cook for precisely 3 minutes until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender texture.
3. Promptly remove the beans using a slotted spoon or strainer, quickly transferring them to a colander to halt the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
4. Transfer the blanched beans to a pristine serving platter, spreading them evenly to ensure optimal presentation and heat distribution.
5. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil (approximately or 30 milliliters) across the beans, ensuring each bean receives a light coating.
6. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and sea salt over the beans, using approximately of each seasoning to create a balanced flavor profile.
7. Gently toss the beans to distribute the olive oil and seasonings uniformly, maintaining the beans’ delicate structure.
8. Crown the dish with delicate shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese, allowing the cheese to rest atop the warm beans and slightly melt.
9. Serve immediately while the beans retain their warm temperature and vibrant green color, presenting a visually appealing and flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Maximize bean crispness by trimming ends precisely with a sharp knife for uniform cooking and elegant presentation.
• Boil beans for exactly three minutes to maintain their vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture without turning mushy.
• Grate Pecorino Romano fresh moments before serving to ensure maximum flavor and creamy, delicate cheese shavings.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to guarantee swift assembly and serve the dish piping hot for optimal taste experience.
• Select premium extra virgin olive oil as a final drizzle to elevate the entire dish’s richness and complement the beans’ natural flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg