Summer Runner Bean Stew celebrates the peak of garden season with tender young runner beans as the star ingredient, creating a light yet satisfying dish that captures all the fresh flavors of summer vegetables. This vibrant stew showcases runner beans at their absolute best – when they’re young, tender, and sweet – combined with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables in a fragrant broth that’s both nourishing and comforting. Unlike heavy winter stews, this summer version is bright and fresh, allowing each vegetable to shine while creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and reliance on seasonal ingredients at their peak, transforming humble garden vegetables into something truly special. This recipe serves 6 people as a light main course or 8 as a starter, and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for using up an abundant runner bean harvest or showcasing the best of summer’s bounty.
Base Vegetable Ingredients
For this garden-fresh stew:
- 2 pounds young runner beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh Herb and Seasoning Elements
To bring out the summer flavors:
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Optional Finishing Touches
For extra richness and flavor:
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Crusty bread for serving
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Preparing the Runner Beans
Start by properly preparing your runner beans, which is crucial for the best texture and flavor. Wash the beans thoroughly and trim both ends. If the beans are very young and tender, you can leave them whole or cut them into 2-inch pieces. For more mature beans, remove the strings by snapping off the ends and pulling them along the length of the bean.
Cut the prepared beans into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If some beans are much thicker than others, slice the thicker ones lengthwise to ensure consistent cooking times throughout the stew.
Building the Aromatic Base
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This classic trio forms the flavor foundation of the stew.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter and overpower the delicate summer flavors you’re trying to showcase.
Add the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. The bell pepper adds sweetness and beautiful color to the finished stew.
Adding Depth and Spice
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step caramelizes the tomato paste and concentrates its flavor, adding richness and depth to the stew base.
Add the smoked paprika and cumin, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. These warm spices complement the fresh vegetables without overwhelming their natural flavors, adding a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall dish.
Building the Stew
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the aromatics. The potatoes will help thicken the stew naturally while providing heartiness and substance.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and fresh thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The liquid should just cover the vegetables – add more broth or water if needed.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just starting to become tender. They should hold their shape but give slightly when pierced with a fork.
Adding the Star Ingredient
Add the prepared runner beans to the pot, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the stew. The beans should be nestled among the other vegetables, not floating on top.
Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes, or until the runner beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Young, tender beans will cook faster than more mature ones, so test them frequently to avoid overcooking.
Final Seasoning and Brightness
Once the beans are perfectly tender, taste the stew and season generously with salt and black pepper. The vegetables should be flavorful and well-seasoned, but remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the stew sits.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, which brighten all the flavors and add a fresh, summery note that distinguishes this from heavier winter stews. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Adding Fresh Herbs
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh basil and parsley. These herbs should remain bright and vibrant, so adding them off the heat preserves their color and fresh flavor. Save a little of each herb for garnishing individual bowls.
If using cream for extra richness, stir it in now along with the butter. These additions make the stew more luxurious and satisfying, though the stew is perfectly delicious without them for a lighter version.
Serving Your Summer Stew
Ladle the hot stew into warmed bowls, making sure each portion has a good mix of all the vegetables. Garnish with the reserved fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Drizzle each bowl with a little extra virgin olive oil and serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth. The bread is almost essential for a complete meal, as it turns this light stew into something more substantial.
Perfect Summer Pairings
This fresh stew pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the bright, fresh flavors without competing with them. A light rosé also works wonderfully for outdoor summer dining.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette and perhaps some grilled fish or chicken for those wanting extra protein.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This stew actually improves in flavor overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the runner beans may soften slightly over time.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. The fresh herbs can be added just before serving if making ahead to maintain their bright color and flavor.
Seasonal Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to whatever’s fresh in your garden or at the market. In late summer, try adding fresh corn kernels, zucchini, or yellow squash. Early summer versions might include fresh peas or young fava beans.
You can also vary the herbs based on what’s available – fresh oregano, marjoram, or even mint can create interesting flavor profiles while maintaining the fresh, summery character of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits
Runner beans are packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making this stew both nutritious and satisfying. The variety of vegetables provides a wide range of nutrients, while the light broth keeps the dish from being heavy or overly caloric.
This stew is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cream, butter, and cheese – it’s delicious and complete without any of these additions.
This Summer Runner Bean Stew proves that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or rich. By celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients at their peak and treating them with simple, careful preparation, you create something that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful delivers the essence of summer – bright, fresh, and full of garden goodness that makes you appreciate the simple pleasure of vegetables prepared with love and attention to their natural flavors.
