Runner bean recipes

Cacio e pepe or "cheese and pepper" is a Roman classic – an easy pasta sauce that uses pasta water for silky texture. Runner beans add freshness and bite

Preserve allotment staple runner beans to enjoy later in the year in this zingy chutney. It will keep sealed in a cool, dry place for up to three months

Growing runner beans in the garden? Enjoy them at their very best in the late summer in this stunning light lunch or starter with chorizo, eggs and almonds

Swap potatoes for runner beans to make a fresh-tasting, healthy tortilla and serve with a tomato, red onion and basil salad to get three of your five-a-day

Looking to spruce up your side with minimum fuss? These crunchy runner beans tossed with cheese and nuts fit the bill

This substantial salad features a delicious mix of cannellini, kidney and green beans, and is ideal for a summer picnic

The prawns in this delicious paella may not be essential but they do make it extra special for a Saturday night supper with friends

This light green salad with walnuts and Italian cheese makes a versatile side dish or starter. Add prosciutto for extra wow factor.

Make this easy green bean and mushroom casserole as a veggie side to accompany a main course. You could add cheese to the white sauce if you fancy

This low-fat yet satisfying salad is full of authentic Asian flavour and will add plenty of zing to al fresco dining

With just five ingredients, this is the perfect pasta dish to have up your sleeve on a lazy day

This vegetarian side dish of charred courgettes and runner beans sings summer and also has a small bite of hot chilli. It goes down well at barbecues

Runner and green beans make a delicious addition to a comforting pasta bake - top with pumpkin seeds for added crunch

Bake cod fillets with a honey and harissa dressing for a delicious dinner for two. Serve with green beans or broccoli and an extra drizzle of the dressing

An easy veggie side dish with plenty of crunch, coated in a mustard, chilli and anchovy dressing to give an umami hit

This vegan spice pot is cooled down with coconut milk- ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds and garam masala are all key flavours

A special twist to the under-rated fresh flavoured runner bean - serve with 'A good steak and kidney pie'

A quick and easy low-fat supper, ready in just 15 minutes

A vibrant seasonal side dish to perk up a bowl of beans

Try this aromatic curry using two spice mixes: garam masala and Chinese five-spice powder. Coconut yogurt gives a creamy texture without the extra calories

Runner beans work really well with spices and these curried filo triangles are the perfect showcase - a great starter or nibble for 6 people

If you're not mad on anchovies, grilled bacon or lardons can add the required salty bite

A simple sauté of fresh beans with lightly fried garlic and a touch of olive oil makes a healthy, versatile side