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Charred Green Beans with Spicy Tonnato

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Photo by Laura Murray, styling by Judy Mancini

The tonnato (a classic, creamy Italian sauce made with tuna and anchovies that’s usually served with veal) gives these charred beans a strong umami base, while the lime and habanero chiles add brightness and a little heat.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 habanero chile, seeds removed, quartered
2 oil-packed anchovy fillets
1 6.7-ounce jar oil-packed tuna, drained
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon drained capers
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
2 pounds mixed snap beans, such as green, wax, and/or Romano, cleaned, trimmed
Cilantro leaves with tender stems, salted, roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée chile, anchovies, tuna, mayonnaise, lime juice, capers, ¼ cup oil, and 2 Tbsp. water in a blender until smooth. Season tonnato with salt.

    Step 2

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Toss beans in a medium bowl with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt. Working in batches if needed, grill beans in a single layer (if you have a perforated grill pan, this is the perfect time to use it!), turning frequently, until charred on all sides, about 6 minutes.

    Step 3

    Pour one-quarter of tonnato on a platter. Arrange beans over, then drizzle with remaining tonnato. Top with some cilantro and pumpkin seeds and squeeze a little lime juice over.

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