If you’re looking for a simple and delicious Romano Bean recipe, this is it! Tender, fresh Romano Beans get a quick blanch in boiling water and then are tossed with crispy shallots and bacon. It’s the perfect summer side dish, ready in minutes.
What are Romano Beans?
Have you seen those long, flat green beans at your farmer’s market? They’re Romano Beans, also called Italian Flat Beans, don’t miss them. Their flavor is reminiscent of the green beans you’re used to, but not the same: a bit more delicate, a touch sweeter. It’s important to not overcook them, you want them to have a hint of crunch.
How do you cook Romano Beans?
Romano Beans are so simple to prepare! Most of the time, I just blanch them, toss them in some olive oil and season with salt and pepper. But with bacon and shallots they’re even better. Because, you know, bacon.
Serve these with anything you throw on the grill this summer from Carne Asada, to Grilled Shrimp to Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Kabobs. And if you happen to have some pork belly to crisp up in place of the bacon, all the better!
Romano Beans with Shallots and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Romano beans ends and strings removed
- 3 slices bacon sliced crosswise into thin strips
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
Instructions
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In a wide saucepan, heat 1 to 2-inches of water to boil and add a large pinch of salt.
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Add trimmed beans and blanch 3 or 4 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain.
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Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until nearly crisp. Add shallots; cook and stir until shallots have softened. Drain all but one tablespoon of fat.
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Add Romano beans to skillet with bacon and shallots; cook and stir until combined. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve.
Recipe Notes
Romano beans are also called 'flat beans' or Italian flat beans.
I’ve never seen these beans, but I will definitely be on the lookout for them now! Your description of them sounds wonderful and I love that this recipe really lets their flavor shine.
They’re so good! Thank you, Faith. xo
I don’t think I’ve ever had this kind of bean before! I will definitely have to look out for them. They sound fantastic with bacon and shallot, but then, what wouldn’t be??? 😉
Right? Shallots and bacon are pretty amazing ingredients. And these beans – do look out for them, Allie. They’re so good! 🙂
We got Romano beans in our CSA last year, but I haven’t been able to find them anywhere this year! Love this use of them. Such a lovely summer side!
We can’t always find them either. I always feel like we’ve won some kind of prize when we do. 🙂
Ooh, what a wonderful recipe! I used to eat these in Greece and they were always so good, but not as good as if I added bacon, I bet! Really keen to try these!
They’re great, aren’t they. Similar to traditional green beans but with a little extra flair. 😉
I loves these beans but do not see them very often. Gorgeous dish and so simple. Beautiful photos! Wishing you a super weekend!
Thank you so much! You have a great weekend too!
Oh, I KNOW, Marissa….bacon is everything. As are shallots. This looks like such a heavenly and simple veggie dish – you always create the most expertly executed veggie courses <3
You’re very sweet, Beeta! Thank you. xo
We don’t get these much but I sometimes see them on restaurant plates and they’re SO good! 😀
Aren’t they great!? Thanks, Lorraine. 🙂
I’ve never had romano beans, but these look amazing!!
Thanks, Medha!
You said it, everything is better with bacon! I have indeed seen these Marissa, and this sounds like a perfect match your additions for a great side dish. Summer is here. 🙂
Hooray for summer! The best fruits and veggies of the year are right now!
I’ve always wanted to try these beans, but never did! Love how simple to prepare they are! And the addition of bacon is perfect!
You’ve got to try them, Mira! So good… 🙂
Hi Marissa! I’ve not seen these beans, certainly not here in TN. I will have to substitute with the beans from our garden. But next year I will be sure to acquire some seeds for planting!
You and that garden, Dorothy! I’m so jealous… 🙂
Yes…I know…BACON!! You know, I have seen these at the farmers market and never thought to buy them because I wasn’t sure what to do with them. Now I do! I’ll get them this weekend. 🙂
Let me know what you think, Nagi. I think you’ll love them… 🙂
This is delish. I’ve also made them with bacon and toasted almonds.
Yes! This is the perfect dish for summer. I am growing scarlet runner beans, which are about the same size, so I think I am going to try this once my harvest comes in!
Yum! Are scarlet runner beans the beans that are purple when raw but turn green when you cook them?