Ghee Blistered Romano

Ghee Blistered Romano Beans – A Seasonal Treat

Chef Rebecca Taylor of @Souley_Nourished brings us a vibrant seasonal recipe featuring Romano Beans, available until September at Super King Markets. These long, sweet, crunchy beans from the snap pea and string bean family shine in this dish, enhanced by ghee, apricots, and a honey herb dressing. Perfect for a side dish or light entrée!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Naturally Gluten-Free – Perfect for all diets.
✔ Nutritious & Delicious – Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
✔ Versatile – Great as a side dish, salad topping, or light meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beans & Apricots:

• 1 lb Romano beans, trimmed (or substitute green beans, snap peas, or string beans)

• 2 tbsp ghee (or use olive oil or butter as an alternative)

• 2 ripe apricots, sliced

• ½ tsp sea salt, to taste

For the Honey Herb Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped or grated

• ½ tsp salt, to taste

• ¼ tsp black pepper (or red pepper flakes for heat!)

For Garnish & Serving:

• ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or mint work beautifully!)

• ¼ cup purslane, for a peppery crunch (optional but recommended!)

• Toasted nuts or seeds (like almonds or sesame seeds for extra texture!)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Trim Romano beans by snapping off the ends.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of ghee.

📌 Pro Tip: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beans—this helps create a perfect charred blistered texture!

Step 2: Blister the Beans

1. Add the Romano beans to the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the melted ghee.
2. To encourage even charring, place a heavy pot or cast-iron skillet on top of the beans.
3. Let them cook for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are tender yet still firm, with a bright green color and slight bite.
4. Remove beans from the pan and set aside.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t stir too often—let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time for the best blistered texture!

Step 3: Sauté the Apricots

1. In the same pan, add sliced apricots and cook briefly—just 1-2 minutes, until lightly colored and softened.
2. Remove from the pan and set aside with the beans.

📌 Flavor Boost: If you love a caramelized flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and honey on the apricots while cooking!

Step 4: Make the Honey Herb Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • Olive oil

   • Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

   • Lemon juice

   • Chopped garlic

   • Salt and pepper

2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

📌 Tip: Want extra depth? Add ½ tsp Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang!

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Drizzle the honey herb dressing over the blistered Romano beans and apricots.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, purslane, and toasted nuts/seeds.
3. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!

🌟 Pair with grilled meats or serve as a light vegetarian dish!

Tips for the Best Blistered Romano Beans

• Use a Hot Pan: A cast-iron skillet works best for deep blistering.
• Make it Creamy: Add a dollop of whipped ricotta, burrata, or tahini for extra richness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper for a hint of heat!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—they taste great cold too!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Ghee Blistered Romano Beans

🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Rosé enhances the dish’s fresh, tangy flavors.

🍗 Main Course Pairings:

• Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – Light and flavorful!
• Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter – A perfect match.
• Turmeric-Spiced Lentils – For a satisfying vegetarian meal.

🍽 Other Side Dish Ideas:

• Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables – A hearty grain-based side.
• Charred Eggplant Dip with Yogurt & Tahini – For a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

For a more robust spread, include our Baked Chorizo Fundido—a warm, cheesy dip with a spicy twist.

FAQs

Can I substitute Romano beans with other beans?

While Romano beans are ideal for this recipe due to their size and texture, you can substitute them with string beans, snap peas, or green beans. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the beans' size and texture.

Why use ghee instead of regular oil?

Ghee is clarified butter with a rich, nutty flavor and a higher smoke point than regular butter or oil. It enhances the beans’ flavor, giving them a delicious, golden crisp while avoiding burning at high temperatures. If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute it with butter or olive oil, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can mix in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added variety. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different vegetables may cook at different rates.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute ghee with olive oil or vegan butter. The honey in the dressing can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based alternative.

How do I know when the beans are done?

The beans are done when they are tender yet still slightly firm with a bright green color and a slight crisp. The key is to cook them until they have a light char but are not mushy. They should have a satisfying bite when you eat them.