French Beans
When your beans start producing pods they're going to come thick and fast, so it's important to have a range of different recipes up your sleeve, before you drive your household insane with the same old thing.
Steamed Beans
Chop the stalks off your beans and steam for 4-5 minutes until tender. Any longer and they'll become soggy and lose flavour. Serve with a small knob of butter if you like.
Green Bean and Potato Salad
Cook beans as above and then plunge into cold water to stop them cooking. Combine with cool, cooked new potatoes cut into thick slices. Pour over a vinaigrette mixed with a good dollop of coarse grain mustard.
Steamed beans with garlic and chilli
Put some beans on to steam. Meanwhile fry some chopped chilli and garlic gently in a little olive oil. Add the beans once they are tender. Stir to coat with the flavour-infused oil and serve sprinkled with chopped coriander or parsley and a good pinch of salt.
Crispy Pancetta and Green Beans
Heat a little olive oil in a pan and start cooking a handful of cubed pancetta. Meanwhile cook your beans for a couple of minutes in boiling water. Drain and add to the pancetta once it's started to colour. Add some sliced spring onions, mix, and dress with some balsamic vinegar.