Garlicky runner beans with tzatzyki… or any other sauce you like
Garlicky runner beans with tzatzyki sauce is a great recipe to use the common runner beans, even if they are a little bit overgrown. Unfortunately, they tend to do that quite easily, as a result they get tough and stringy. To avoid that, peel both edges of the bean pod with a potato peeler. In this way you will get rid of most go the stringy part. With the largest and most overgrown pods there is also a way – get the beans out out and cook them along with the pods. Take a look at the original recipe and compare it with the 5-element one. I am sure you will appreciate the balance of flavours.
To cook the runner beans
In a large pot add the pods and the individual beans. Add water to the level of the vegetables and cook on medium heat until soft. You can also steam the beans to get more nutrients.
On a large frying pan add the ingredients in the following order:
- Sweet 2 tablespoons of olive oil,
- Pungent 4-5 garlic cloves, in thick slices, 1/2 dried chilli pepper, roughly chopped, a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of ginger,
- Salty a pinch of sea salt, a splash of soy sauce (optional),
- Sour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice,
- Bitter a pinch of turmeric, a few thyme leaves (fresh or dried).
A quick tzatzyki with mint leaves
Use a medium-sized mixing bowl and follow the instructions:
- Sweet grate 1 cucumber, washed and unpeeled, squeeze the water out (do not discard it as it has got a lot of nutrients, drink it),
- Pungent a pinch of black pepper, a few pieces of dried and crushed chilli (optional),
- Salty a generous pinch of sea salt,
- Sour 1 small (200-250g) cup thick greek-style yoghurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3-4 mint leaves, finely chopped,
- Bitter a pinch of dried thyme,
- Sweet 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Mix the ingredients, transfer to the serving bowl, drizzle with some olive oil and garnish with chopped mint leaves.
Serve Garlicky Runner Beans just with Tzatzyki or as a side to go with Shakshouka.
