Fresh broad beans charred in their pods over high heat, then shelled and tossed with pecorino, olive oil, and lemon. A fast spring side that celebrates the bean at its best.
smokeandsoil.com/recipes/charred-broad-beans-with-pecorino
by L Field
Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
22 min
Serves
4
Level
Hard
Method
BBQ
Ingredients
High heat transforms these broad beans completely. The char isn’t just cosmetic — it’s structural, adding a measured bitterness that balances the natural sweetness beneath. Cooking them directly over the fire allows the skins to blister and blacken, bringing a smoky depth that elevates what might otherwise be a simple vegetable side.
This recipe leans on clean, straightforward ingredients: fresh broad beans, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a generous shaving of Pecorino Romano. The salty, nutty cheese cuts through the smoky char and brightens the beans, creating a harmony of flavours that feels both grounded and refined. It’s a dish that respects its ingredients and the fire, showcasing how everyday BBQ can be thoughtful and precise without fuss.
Using direct heat grilling and paying attention to clean smoke rather than dirty smoke is key here. It’s about coaxing out the beans’ best qualities without overwhelming them. The result is a dish that is as much about technique and balance as it is about flavour — a quiet demonstration of what happens when you treat the BBQ as a tool for craft rather than spectacle.
Ingredients
in the pod (sourced from a local British farm shop in May)
finely grated
for juicing
Health Notes
This is a vegetable-led dish and a naturally lower-calorie option. Grilling with minimal oil preserves the vegetables' nutritional value while adding flavour through caramelisation and char. High in fibre and micronutrients.
Notes
Seasonal Variations
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
260
kcal
6g
protein
15g
carbs
18g
fat
Values are estimates and vary with portion size and preparation.
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Prepare the Grill for High Heat
Light a full chimney of Weber briquettes. Once the coals are fully ashed over (approximately 15-20 minutes), pour them into the centre of the Weber Master-Touch charcoal grate, creating a concentrated zone of direct high heat. Place the cooking grate on top and allow it to preheat for five minutes. The target temperature at grate level should be in excess of 250°C.
Season the Beans
In the large metal bowl, toss the broad beans (still in their pods) with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, a generous pinch of flaky sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Ensure the pods are lightly and evenly coated.
Char the Pods
Using the long-handled tongs, spread the seasoned beans in a single layer directly over the concentrated high heat. Close the lid to trap the heat and smoke. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Turn and Finish
Open the lid and use the tongs to turn the beans, aiming to expose uncharred sides to the heat. Close the lid and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. The pods should be significantly blackened and blistered, indicating the beans inside are steamed and tender. Total cook time should not exceed 5 minutes.
Dress and Serve
Immediately transfer the charred beans to the metal bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice from half a lemon. Sprinkle with the finely grated Pecorino Romano. Toss quickly to coat. Serve immediately.
Dress and Serve
Immediately transfer the charred beans to the metal bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice from half a lemon. Sprinkle with the finely grated Pecorino Romano. Toss quickly to coat. Serve immediately.
Health Notes
This is a vegetable-led dish and a naturally lower-calorie option. Grilling with minimal oil preserves the vegetables' nutritional value while adding flavour through caramelisation and char. High in fibre and micronutrients.
Per serving (estimate)
260
kcal
6g
protein
15g
carbs
18g
fat
accessory
A grill basket is an essential accessory for anyone serious about clean, whole-food cooking over fire. It allows you to cook smaller, delicate items like vegetables and fish fillets without losing them through the grates. This means less waste and more control over your cooking, which fits perfectly with the Smoke & Soil ethos of everyday BBQ using homegrown and seasonal ingredients. The basket keeps your food contained while still exposing it to direct heat and smoke, encouraging a lovely char and smoky flavour without the risk of flare-ups or sticking. Using a grill basket is straightforward but requires a bit of care to get the best results. Always oil the basket before placing food inside to prevent sticking, and avoid overcrowding to ensure proper charring rather than steaming. The design encourages even cooking and makes it easy to turn your food gently, preserving its shape and texture. It is ideal for weeknight cooking when you want a quick, no-fuss way to grill vegetables or fish without the mess or hassle of fiddly flipping. Incorporating a grill basket into your BBQ routine also promotes versatility. You can experiment with different vegetables, marinate fish fillets, or even try delicate items like tofu or halloumi. It’s a simple tool that enhances your ability to cook clean, seasonal food over fire, keeping the process efficient and enjoyable. This accessory aligns with our no-nonsense, confident approach to BBQ and fire cooking, making it a must-have for home cooks who value flavour and practicality.
Written by
L Field
