The flavorful, naturally starchy liquid from homemade or canned beans deserves a place in your cooking—not your sink.

Runner beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but they don’t last long and are best eaten within 3 days of picking. Not great if you can't get through the glut OR you've been away from home.

I find beans entrancing. Their splendid colours, shapes and shiny skins are jewel-like, beautiful and tactile. There are some recipes in which only dried beans, soaked overnight and cooked from ...