Podding runner beans

Lizargh

We couldn't keep up with eating our beans this year, even with pickling, freezing, giving to neighbours I was still left with loads on the vine. some scarlet runner beans grew into monsters and way more than I need for seed saving. I've podded them now, beautiful monsters, purple and black speckled. Im drying them off. Is it possible over the winter months to soak and cook these and make into a sort of hummus (they are massive over an inch and fat so I'm thinking too big for soups) or will they be too tough and tasteless? thanks lizzie

nick615

I've read somewhere that, in things like chilli con carne or curries where the beans will be well cooked, they're perfectly OK but, in a similar position a couple of years ago, I gave a load to the Charity Shop to sell.

steephill

I made hummus with some last year, worked well. I had over a kilo of podded beans after eating tons of pods. I like big fat beans in soups so some went in there. Look for Tuscan and Middle East recipe ideas to use them up. Romans insult Tuscans by calling them "bean eaters" but I reckon the Tuscans have the right idea.

Lizargh

aw that’s great to hear. Thanks very much. Determined not to waste ANY food. Cheers x

granma

Are you saving some for seed to sow next year?