Crisp yet tender Italian green beans are the star of this Garlic Sautéed Romano Beans recipe. The simple side dish is a traditional way to cook this summer and fall favorite vegetable.
Why this Italian Green Bean Recipe is Amazing: These wide string beans with an edible pod need no shelling & cook in just 10 fast minutes!
If you have never had Romano Beans, you are in for a treat. They are slightly sweet & best enjoyed crisp - needing only a quick cook.
This was inspired by my recipe for Italian Green Bean & Potato Salad on this site, and pairs well with Grilled Italian Chicken Drumsticks or Cream Cheese Pasta. Ok, now we cook!
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Ingredients
All you need is a few simple ingredients for this comforting side dish. Besides the main ingredient, fresh Romano beans, all you need is some olive oil, garlic, & spices from your pantry.
This recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, low-calorie, vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, Whole30, & keto-approved.
Here are important notes for some ingredients:
- Romano Beans - this flat broad Italian variety is slightly sweet and crunchy. Typically green but can also be yellow or purple.
- Olive Oil - for sautéeing in the pan.
- Garlic - fresh minced cloves; not garlic powder.
- Spices - a combination of salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, & Italian seasoning.
OPTIONAL: Parmesan cheese for serving.
See the recipe card for full list, quantities, & any substitutions/variations.
How to Make Garlic Sautéed Romano Beans
Trust me when I say you do not want to try a recipe that calls for stewing or boiling these beans. They need to be enjoyed with simplicity and minimal cooking time.
I admit, I nibble on a few beans raw when I am prepping them. They are that good and honestly can be enjoyed this way with a dip. But this skillet recipe is my favorite way to eat them and once you try a bite you will see why.
Step-by-Step Stovetop Instructions
Begin by washing and drying the long flat beans. The stems or tips can be trimmed/cut and removed if desired.
Cut the beans into small uniform bite-sized pieces. I prefer them about 1.5-2" in length as seen here. NOTE: they will shrink a tiny bit when cooking.
Also peel and mince or press the cloves of garlic.
Over medium heat warm up the olive oil in a large skillet. Next add the spices and stir.
Cook the spices until toasted to infuse the oil with flavor for 1 minute.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. At this point the smell of the spices and garlic should be filling your kitchen. Do not brown it, just get it softened.
Add the cut Italian green beans and stir to combine with all the ingredients.
Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes - stir occasionally. The beans will soften but stay slightly firm. You are not trying to brown or blister the beans, just make them tender.
NOTE: Do NOT overcook, these are not meant to be soft. Romano beans are best enjoyed still a little crunchy.
Serving & Storing
Spoon onto individual plates or a serving platter. Season to taste and enjoy while warm. Add optional parmesan cheese to take it to the next level.
Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a hot skillet on the stove for 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve with Romano Beans : this goes well with any grilled, baked, or smoked meats any fresh pastas. Though it's a summer vegetable, if you can find them, they are a nice holiday dish at Easter or Christmas.
This pairs perfectly with any of my Italian Recipes, especially Garlic Butter Shrimp or Pasta all Pizzaiola. I love putting this healthy dish out when I do an Italian buffet along with focaccia, salads, meats, & cheeses.
Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
Here's my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, fun stories, recipe history, and more.
- #1 Tip - DO NOT overcook; Romano beans are meant to be eaten crisp & al dente - with a snap still as you take a bite.
- Using fresh-picked beans that are not wilted, limp, or soft is key to success and yummy texture.
- Try farmer's markets, specialty produce, or Italian markets if your regular grocery store doesn't carry this type of bean.
- Try my recipe for Homemade Seasoning for Green Beans for a spice blend you can premix and always have on hand.
- It's a bit spicy, omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version.
- Add parmesan cheese at the end for a kid-approved version.
- Romano beans are a popular snap bean and go by other names such as Italian Pole Beans or Flat Beans.
- Take this to the next level and add halved cherry tomatoes while cooking & top with fresh flat-leaf parsley at the end.
FAQ
No, they are different. Before eating favas need to be shelled, cooked, & peeled since pod is traditionally not eaten. Romano beans have tender pods and can be eaten whole along with the sweet peas inside.
If you cannot find these in your store. Try other string bean varieties such as haricot vert or blue lakes which will cook in the same amount of time. Or try runner beans which have a tougher skin that will need to be cooked longer.
Garlic Sauteed Romano Beans
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Romano green beans flat wide broad beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Wash, dry, & trim the tips/ends off the beans. Cut the beans into small uniform bite-sized pieces - 1.5-2" each.
- In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Add the spices, stir, & toast them for 1 minute while stirring.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.4 cloves garlic
- Add the cut Italian green beans and stir to combine with all the ingredients.Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes - stir occasionally. The beans will be tender but slightly still firm.1 pound Romano green beans
- Turn off the heat - season to taste with extra salt & pepper if needed. OPTIONAL: sprinkle on Parmesan cheese & stir.Spoon onto platter for serving or individual plates/bowls. Enjoy while warm or room temperature.parmesan cheese
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in a medium-hot skillet for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition
More Green Bean Recipes
Here are some similar side dish recipes for the best ways to cook green beans:
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