
It was a rare occasion the other day: I headed off to the local organic farmers market without any children in tow.
That meant I could meander around and take things slow while I shopped for vegetables for dinner, something for lunch and a few things to add to an extra special gift basket I am planning for someone. I could ponder over the local oils and gaze at the varieties of artisan bread.
It was blissful.
I might have skipped a little on my way in. Maybe.
And it was because my attention was totally focused on the task at hand -- shopping -- that I was able to eavesdrop and learn that the two side by side containers of beans were, in fact, two different types -- green beans and pole beans.
Pole beans are long (twice as long as a green bean) beans with more pronounced beans inside. They are a little thicker and tougher than their green bean counterparts. I was intrigued and couldn't wait to give them a shot. So, on the recommendation of Patrick from Waldingfield Farm, I marinated and cooked the beans up on the grill.
The result? Really good. Super good.
We ate these beans that night with burgers in place of fries, and they were a perfect fit.
Grilled Pole Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pole beans, washed
- ¾ cup marinade, I used an herb and garlic marinade, but Italian dressing would be a good fit too
Instructions
- Pour the dressing over the beans and let marinate, tossing periodically, for 2-3 hours.
- Heat the grill to medium and toss the beans on in a heap, discarding any excess marinade. Cook for 20 minutes or so, until crisp tender and lightly browned.





With all the grilling I've been doing, I've never tried grilling green beans - somehow I thought they would burn before getting that grilled flavor. This way is something to try. That's one more thing I like about getting food from the farmers' markets - they often have great ideas on how to prepare the fresh produce they sell.
I love the idea of garlicky beans instead of fries.
I've never heard of pole beans before - will definitely be keeping an eye out for them now.
I just recently started grilling all sorts of veggies. I wouldn't have thought to put these on the grill. Looks yummy!
I grew up on pole beans from my grandmothers garden but never had them grilled . Trying it tonight