How To Cook Dragon Tongue Beans (Complete Guide)

Are you tired of the same old boring beans in your meals? Look no further! Introducing dragon tongue beans, a unique and flavorful addition to any dish. These beans, named for their striking purple and yellow stripes, not only add visual appeal to your plate but also pack a punch of nutrition.

But how do you cook them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking dragon tongue beans, from selecting the best beans to preparing them for a delicious meal. So let’s get started!

Required Ingredients

In this recipe, we’ll be using pancetta, butter, shallots, garlic, and mushrooms to create a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is perfect for any occasion.

1. 1 pound of dragon tongue beans or green beans: These thin, elongated beans have a vibrant green color and a crisp, crunchy texture. They are a great source of vitamins A and C, and are a good source of iron.
2. 8 ounces of pancetta, chopped into small cubes: Pancetta is an Italian cured meat that is similar to bacon. It has a rich, salty flavor and a soft, fatty texture. It adds depth and flavor to the dish, and helps to give the beans a crispy, caramelized exterior.
3. 1 tablespoon of butter: Butter is a rich, creamy fat that adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. It helps to coat the beans and pancetta and helps to keep them moist and flavorful.
4. 2 shallots, minced: Shallots are a type of onion with a mild, sweet flavor. They add depth and complexity to the dish and help to balance out the richness of the pancetta and butter.
5. 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is a pungent, aromatic herb that adds a spicy, savory flavor to the dish. It pairs well with the pancetta and shallots and helps to round out the flavor of the beans.
6. 1 1/2 pounds of crimini mushrooms, quartered: Crimini mushrooms are a type of brown mushroom with a rich, earthy flavor. They add depth and umami to the dish and help to balance out the sweetness of the beans.
7. Kosher salt: Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and helps to balance the sweetness of the beans.
8. Freshly ground black pepper: Pepper adds a warm, spicy kick to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the pancetta and butter.
9. 2 tablespoons of flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Parsley is a fragrant, aromatic herb that adds a fresh, bright flavor to the dish. It helps to balance out the richness of the pancetta and butter and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Preparation

First, bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water helps to season the beans as they cook. Once the water is boiling, add the beans to the pot and cook them for about 5 minutes. This process, known as blanching, helps to soften the beans and remove any impurities.

After 5 minutes, drain the beans immediately and run them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps to preserve the beans’ color and texture. Once the beans have been cooled, set them aside.

Next, in a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until it becomes slightly crispy. Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon that is typically made from pork belly and seasoned with black pepper. As it cooks, the pancetta will release its fat, which can be used to flavor the other ingredients in the dish. Once the pancetta is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.

After cooking the pancetta, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt some butter in the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add some shallots and cook until they become fragrant about 1-2 minutes. 

Once the shallots are fragrant, add some garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

After cooking the shallots and garlic, add some mushrooms to the skillet and season the mixture with a healthy dose of salt.  As the mushrooms cook, they will release their juices, which can help to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Stir the mushrooms occasionally and let them cook down for about 8-10 minutes.

Once the mushrooms are cooked and have released their juices, add the blanched beans and crispy pancetta to the skillet. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Finally, sprinkle the dish with some black pepper and parsley to add some heat and freshness. 

And that’s it! These instructions outline the steps for preparing a dish of Dragon Tongue Beans, which is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the savory flavors of pancetta, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, and beans. The dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. I hope this helps to clarify the instructions and gives you a better understanding of the process for preparing this delicious dish.

Serving The Dish

To serve the dish of Dragon Tongue Beans, you can simply transfer it to a serving plate or bowl. You can also serve the beans in individual bowls or on top of a bed of rice, pasta, or your choice of grain. If you want to add some extra flair to the dish, you can garnish it with some additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

The Dragon Tongue Beans can be served hot or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you prefer a warmer dish, you can heat it up briefly in the microwave or on the stove before serving. Alternatively, if you prefer a cool, refreshing dish, you can let the beans come to room temperature before serving.

When serving the dish, it’s important to consider the portion sizes and how many people you are serving. If you are serving the Dragon Tongue Beans as the main course, you may want to consider providing a larger portion size for each person. If you are serving the beans as a side dish, a smaller portion size may be sufficient.

Overall, the Dragon Tongue Beans are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Whether you are serving them as a main course or a side dish, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving:

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 28mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g

As we can see, we can say that dragon tongue beans are a healthy and nutritious food.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dragon Tongue Beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. They are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber and protein, making them a great addition to any meal.

The beans have a mild, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness and can be cooked in about 30 minutes. When stored properly, the beans can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 6 months when frozen. With this complete guide on how to cook Dragon Tongue Beans, you’ll be able to make this tasty dish for your family and friends in no time!