Name: 3-Ingredient Charred Green Beans with Ricotta and Lemon
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed; 2 cups whole-milk ricotta; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more; 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest; Freshly ground black pepper; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes

In Epi's 3-Ingredient Recipes series, we show you how to make great food with just three ingredients (plus staples like oil, salt, and pepper).

Crisp-tender grilled green beans on a bed of creamy whipped ricotta is the ultimate summer side, super-simple but elegant enough for company. Add some grilled bread for a fun family-style appetizer.

Ingredients

4–6 servings

1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed

2 cups whole-milk ricotta

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Freshly ground black pepper

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat (or heat a grill pan over medium-high). If using a grill, arrange green beans in a grill basket and place on hot grill. Cover and grill, turning once halfway through, until beans are lightly charred and crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. If using a grill pan, cook green beans directly on pan, tossing occasionally, until lightly charred, about 10 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip ricotta, 3 Tbsp. oil, and 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 3
Spread whipped ricotta on a serving platter and arrange charred green beans over. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.

Leave a Review

Reviews (11)

The ricotta needed salt and the beans needed red chili pepper flakes. As amended, this paired beautifully with grilled chicken sausages.
- CraiginAustin
- Austin, TAexas
- 7/2/2022
This was such a nice surprise. So easy and so yummy!
- Third.Daughter
- Huntington Beach, CA
- 10/15/2021
Fabulous!!
- amreing4249
- NJ
- 5/24/2021
I added lemon juice and zest to the ricotta. I also steamed the beans for a bit, then grilled them. I tossed the beans with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, then placed them on top of the ricotta.
- laxchef
- Washington, DC
- 6/2/2020
Delicious with some sesame oil drizzled over the beans, was surprised at how effective this simple recipe is!
- C-W-W
- Brisbane, Aus
- 1/4/2018
This is a great starting point, but it definitely needs loads more flavor. I started with incorporating all the lemon zest and juice into the ricotta but there are endless possibilities, while still keeping the recipe simple.
- trent880
- Denver, CO
- 7/30/2017
I cooked the beans in a grill pan and they seemed tough so I put in some chicken broth and steamed them for a couple minutes. It seemed like there was a lot of the ricotta in proportion to the beans. The combination was delicious and the family liked it. I'll make it for company next time!
- pattyrhee
- Titusville, FL
- 7/28/2017
Decided to tweak the recipe when I found labne at the store, so substituted that for the ricotta. Added pressed garlic and cracked black pepper to the labne and oil. Also grilled a red pepper cut into strips to give some contrasting color and flavor, as well as some smashed whole garlic cloves. Family liked it.
- tricia_cox
- San Diego
- 7/11/2017
Was intrigued by this combination. Underwhelmed. Blah. Bland. Won't bother with it again
- Anonymous
- Lincoln, NE
- 7/10/2017
This was a combination I wouldn't have thought would be so good but this is now a new summer go to. It was refreshing, light & delicious!
- flahurricane
- Delray Beach, Fla
- 7/3/2017