Bevy of Beans and Basil

Bevy of Beans and Basil
Bevy of Beans and Basil
This textural celebration of legumes includes those that are both in and out of pods. You'll find crisp-tender Romano beans and green beans, as well as droves of firm yet creamy fava beans (also called broad beans), which have been a staple in places like Egypt, China, and the Mediterranean for millennia. The beans are all cooked in one pot and then warmed in a skillet, where verdant shreds of basil join them at the last minute for extra oomph. Sound easy? That's because it is.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 4 to 6 servings
Bean Side Vegetarian Quick & Easy Dinner Green Bean Summer Healthy Vegan Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup packed basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Preparation Blanch fava beans in a pot of boiling well-salted water 1 minute, then transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking. Transfer favas with slotted spoon to a small bowl. Cook Romano beans in same pot of boiling water, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and transfer to a bowl. Cook green beans in same pot until just tender, 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer to ice bath. Add to Romano beans. Gently peel skins from fava beans (it's not necessary to peel edamame, if using), then add to other beans. Cut basil into very thin shreds. Cook garlic in oil with a rounded 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add beans, water, and zest and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Stir in basil and 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice and remove from heat. Season with salt and additional lemon juice if desired. Serve beans warm or at room temperature. Cooks' note:Beans can be cooked in boiling water 1 day ahead and chilled.

Preparation Blanch fava beans in a pot of boiling well-salted water 1 minute, then transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking. Transfer favas with slotted spoon to a small bowl. Cook Romano beans in same pot of boiling water, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and transfer to a bowl. Cook green beans in same pot until just tender, 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer to ice bath. Add to Romano beans. Gently peel skins from fava beans (it's not necessary to peel edamame, if using), then add to other beans. Cut basil into very thin shreds. Cook garlic in oil with a rounded 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add beans, water, and zest and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Stir in basil and 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice and remove from heat. Season with salt and additional lemon juice if desired. Serve beans warm or at room temperature. Cooks' note:Beans can be cooked in boiling water 1 day ahead and chilled.