String Beans: Snap, Pick, and Feast!

There’s something deeply satisfying about the sound of a fresh string bean snapping between your fingers. In the Netherlands, you can head out to several “pluktuinen” (pick-your-own farms) and wander through rows of green, yellow, or even purple beans dangling like little crunchy chimes. Bring the whole family: kids love the treasure hunt of finding the longest bean, and there’s always a friendly competition for who can fill their basket fastest without breaking a single one (spoiler: you will, and that’s okay).

How to pick: Look for beans that are firm, bright, and snap cleanly. Avoid any that are limp or bulging—those are over the hill. Just grab the stem end, give a little tug, and snap—you’re a bean farmer for the day.

Once you’re home: Wash them, trim the ends (unless you like a little crunch in your crunch), and you’re ready to go. String beans are forgiving, versatile, and love garlic, butter, and a good squeeze of lemon.

Recipe 1: Garlic Butter String Beans with Toasted Almonds

Simple, quick, and addictive.

Ingredients

  • 400g fresh string beans, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add beans and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to keep that bright green color.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add almonds and toast for 2 minutes until golden.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (don’t burn it!).
  4. Toss in the beans, stir for 2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest. Serve hot.

Recipe 2: String Bean, Tomato & Feta Salad

A no-cook summer stunner.

Ingredients

  • 300g fresh string beans, trimmed and halved
  • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 100g crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Fresh basil, torn
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, red onion, and basil.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, toss gently.
  4. Top with feta, season, and serve at room temperature. Perfect for a picnic or a side with grilled sausages.

Cocktail: Green Bean & Mint Cooler

Yes, you read that right—it’s surprisingly refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 100g fresh string beans
  • 60ml gin or vodka
  • 30ml fresh lime juice
  • 20ml simple syrup (or honey syrup)
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • Soda water
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water. Pat dry.
  2. Muddle the beans and mint in a cocktail shaker (or blend for 10 seconds).
  3. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously.
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with soda water.
  5. Garnish with a whole green bean and a mint sprig. It’s grassy, zesty, and oddly elegant.