Ina Garten’s Flat Beans with Pecorino is a simple yet elegant side dish that highlights the fresh, crisp flavor of flat beans paired with the nutty richness of Pecorino cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, adding a touch of sophistication to your table.

What are Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino?

Ina Garten’s Flat Beans with Pecorino is a dish featuring tender flat beans lightly cooked and tossed with olive oil, garlic, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. The combination of fresh vegetables and sharp cheese creates a flavorful and balanced dish.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
Healthy and nutritious: A great way to include more vegetables in your meal.
Sophisticated flavor: The Pecorino adds depth and richness to the beans.
Versatile side dish: Pairs well with a variety of mains.
Perfect for entertaining: Simple enough for everyday meals but elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Flat beans (or Romano beans): 1 pound, trimmed.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground.
Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/4 cup, finely grated.
Lemon zest (optional): 1 teaspoon, for garnish.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Step 1: Prepare the flat beans

Wash and trim the flat beans, removing any tough ends or strings.

Step 2: Blanch the beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the flat beans and blanch them for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Toss the beans in the skillet

Add the blanched beans to the skillet. Toss them with the garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and well-coated.

Step 5: Add Pecorino cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Pecorino cheese over the beans. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Transfer the beans to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon zest if desired and serve immediately.

Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Grilled chicken or fish: Complements the freshness of the beans.
Roasted lamb: The Pecorino pairs well with rich, savory meats.
Pasta dishes: A great side for creamy or tomato-based pastas.
Rice or quinoa: Serve as part of a vegetarian meal.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Don’t overcook the beans: Blanching them ensures they stay tender-crisp.
Use fresh Pecorino: Freshly grated cheese provides the best flavor.
Sauté the garlic carefully: Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning it.
Serve immediately: The dish is best enjoyed warm for optimal texture and flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Add toasted nuts: Sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for heat.
Herbaceous twist: Toss with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
Lemon butter beans: Replace olive oil with butter and add extra lemon juice for a richer flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Flat Beans with Pecorino

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the beans may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use green beans instead of flat beans in this recipe?

Yes, green beans can be substituted for flat beans. The cooking process remains the same, but green beans may require slightly less time to blanch and sauté.

What is the best way to keep flat beans tender-crisp?

To keep flat beans tender-crisp, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and preserves their texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch the beans and sauté the garlic in advance. Combine and reheat the beans with garlic and olive oil just before serving. Add the Pecorino cheese at the end for the freshest flavor.

What can I use instead of Pecorino cheese?

Parmesan cheese is a great substitute for Pecorino. It has a similar salty, nutty flavor and works well in this dish.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Flat Beans with Pecorino is a quick and elegant side dish that enhances the natural flavor of flat beans with the savory richness of Pecorino cheese. This recipe is versatile, healthy, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try for a side dish that’s as simple as it is delicious!

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