Grilled Green Beans
It's probably something you've never tried before, but grilled green beans are undoubtedly one of the easiest grilled vegetable recipes around. The most simple preparation involves a quick trim and rinse, then a bit of oil and salt before hitting the grill.
Personally, I prefer grilling green beans until they are lightly browned on the outside, yet still possess some of the crunchy crispness of raw beans. Heck, I even like 'em raw, but grilling definitely improves the flavor.
When buying the beans, your best bet is naturally the local farmers market when green beans are in season. Freshly picked green beans provide the best flavor and texture.
But if you have no farm stands nearby, the grocery store is your next best bet. Don't buy beans that are pre-packaged. Choose them one-by-one from an open bin, picking the best you can find.
One of the common imperfection of green beans is rust, and the brown spots will be evident on close inspection. Certain insects like green beans (smart bugs!), so you'll see a bean here or there that's been munched on. I won't use beans with rust on them, but if the bug damage is minimal, it's no problem (if you're not too squeamish). The little pits and chew marks can be easily trimmed away during preparation.
Grilled Green Bean Recipes
A simple initiation to the green bean grilling fraternity or sorority is this easy recipe.INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 pound fresh green beans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Trim off the stem ends of the beans. If you like, trim off the little tails on the other end, or like me, just leave 'em. Rinse the beans in cold water then pat dry with a clean towel.
Coat them with a bit of vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over direct medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, time depending on how well done you prefer them. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Grilled green beans can be served as a side dish or as a healthy snack. I really enjoy grilling up an assortment of different veggies, including beans, and serving them hot off the grill as they're done.
As appetizers, the grilled beans can be served alongside ranch or bleu cheese dressing. And I haven't even gotten to the recipe for bacon wrapped green bean appetizers! Oh, the beany possibilities!
