Easy runner bean recipes

When are runner beans in season?

Runner beans are in season in the UK from July to October.

Why we love runner beans

Runner beans are often overshadowed by green beans or other summer veg, but we love them. They make a great simple side dish but can also be cooked in a variety of ways – simmered in curries, charred on the barbecue or slow-cooked until tender. They also make great chutneys – handy if you grow runner beans and have a glut to use.

Health benefits of runner beans

Runner beans are a high-fibre veg and a good source of vitamin C, which supports the body's immune system. They're also high in folate, which aids metabolism, and vitamin K.

Easy runner bean recipes

Keralan runner bean curry

Try this new idea for a vegetarian curry using runner beans. These often-overlooked veggies make a tasty, spicy dish and work well with Indian spices and creamy coconut milk. We've got 50 more vegetarian curry recipes to try next.

Spicy runner bean chutney

This fiery condiment makes the perfect accompaniment for punchy cheese toasties, a classic ploughman's, or in antipasti platters and sandwiches. See more easy chutney recipes.

Runner beans with tomato and black onion seeds

This recipe for runner beans with tomato and black onion seeds is vegan, low-cal and gluten-free, making it an easy, please-everyone side dish. Discover more vegetable side dish recipes.

Blistered runner beans with bagna cauda

Revamp your runner beans this summer with our pan-fried recipe, matched with a fresh and zesty dip called bagna cauda. Get inspired with more easy dip recipes.

Runner beans with tomato, garlic and chilli

Runner beans can be cooked briefly so they still have a little bite, or slowly stewed in a sauce until really tender. This recipe cooks them slowly with tomatoes, chilli and cloves.