Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)
User Reviews
5
Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)
Description
Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia) gently cooks fresh green beans in a sauce built from sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. The beans are simmered with water and seasoning until tender, absorbing the tomato and herb flavors. Once cooked, the dish is finished with fresh lemon juice, dill, and extra virgin olive oil, delivering a fresh and slightly tart profile typical of Greek cuisine.
The cooking method uses a long simmer to soften the beans without compromising their structure, with occasional stirring to ensure even cooking. This gentle process melds the ingredients into a harmonious mixture showcasing the freshness of the green beans alongside the richness of tomato and olive oil.
Fasolakia can be served hot alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It pairs well with rice or crusty bread to soak up the juices. Variations can include adding potatoes for heartiness or substituting canned tomatoes for convenience.
The recipe allows preparation in a slow cooker for convenience or in a pot on the stove. Leftovers keep well for a few days and flavors may deepen when reheated. Lemon juice, dill, and olive oil are recommended to add just before serving to maintain their brightness.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic roughy chopped
- 1 lb. tomato diced (see notes for canned, fresh
- 1 lb. Green bean trimmed and washed, fresh
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt plus more if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus more if needed
- lemon juice of one
- 1 tablespoon dill chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven.
- Sauté the onion in the oil over medium-high heat until softened and starting to brown (about 5 minutes).
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the tomatoes and stir together. Continue to cook until they start to soften and break down (about 2 minutes).
- Add the green beans, water (1 cup), kosher salt (1/2 tablespoon), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). Stir just a bit to distribute the ingredients. Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until green beans are tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to make sure the beans get equal times on the bottom and top of the pot.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, fresh dill, and remaining 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Season to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans in season for cost efficiency, or frozen beans cooked briefly for convenience.
- Canned diced tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes; add the whole can when fresh tomatoes would be added.
- For deeper flavor, substitute water with chicken or vegetable stock.
- Slow cooker option: cook all ingredients except lemon juice, dill, and olive oil on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours; add fresh ingredients before serving.
- Add diced potatoes and extra water to create a heartier stew variant.
- Serve over rice or with crusty bread to complement the juices.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; add lemon, dill, and olive oil fresh at reheating for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 194 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 194kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 889mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 557mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1725IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 32.1mg | 36% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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