If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, then look no further than this Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe. This traditional Greek favorite combines tender green beans and potatoes simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a vibrant melange of flavors and textures that, once tasted, you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect as a main or side dish, Fasolakia brings the soulful essence of Greek home cooking straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but vital, each playing a key role in creating the depth, freshness, and rustic texture that make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe so unforgettable.
- 1 ½ pounds green beans (trimmed): The star of the dish, fresh green beans provide a tender yet crisp bite.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle savory base when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses a fragrant warmth that wakes up the entire dish.
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks): These soak up the flavors beautifully, rounding out the texture with creaminess.
- 4 medium tomatoes (peeled and grated) or 1 can diced tomatoes: They bring acidity and balance, forming the luscious tomato sauce.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Essential for that authentic Mediterranean richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds aromatic earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Just a whisper for an unexpected warm layer of complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To brighten and enhance all the other ingredients.
- ½ cup water or vegetable broth: Helps create the perfect simmering environment and infuses flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal pop of color and taste at the end.
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned – this gentle cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, careful not to burn it. This base is the foundation where your flavors start to build.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Next, mix in the tomato paste and stir for about a minute to bring out its deep umami flavor. Pour in the grated fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, optional ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and thicken slightly while the aromas fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Green Beans
Now it’s time to add the potatoes and green beans directly to the pot. Stir everything together, then pour in the water or vegetable broth. This liquid will create the perfect environment to tenderize the potatoes and soften the green beans while melding the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 35 to 45 minutes. During this time, check occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick or starting to stick. Your goal is tender green beans and potatoes bathed in a rich, thickened tomato sauce bursting with classic Greek flavor.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Once cooked through, taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper as needed. You can serve the dish warm or at room temperature. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, lending a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. For added luxury, crumbled feta cheese pairs beautifully, contributing creaminess and a salty contrast. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is always welcome to elevate the dish’s buttery texture.
Side Dishes
Fasolakia works wonderfully alongside warm, crusty bread, allowing you to mop up every bit of the luscious sauce. It also complements light Greek salads or grilled lemony chicken for a complete Mediterranean spread. Because it’s hearty yet fresh, it can easily stand as a vegetarian main paired with simple sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Fasolakia family-style in a rustic earthenware dish for a beautiful centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, you can spoon it over fluffy rice or creamy polenta for an unexpected twist. For a modern dinner party, serve in small portions atop toasted pita as a flavorful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fasolakia keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Simply reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze Fasolakia, although the texture of the potatoes might soften a bit more. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat the dish slowly over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the flavors and textures much better than high-heat microwave reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh for Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe?
Fresh green beans are preferred for their texture and flavor, but if you only have canned, rinse them well and add them near the end of cooking to avoid over-softening. The dish won’t have the same vibrant crunch but will still be tasty.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Fasolakia is naturally vegan and vegetarian, using only plant-based ingredients without any dairy or meat.
Can I substitute the potatoes with another vegetable?
Yes! Carrots or zucchini can be used as alternatives for potatoes, adding slightly different flavors and textures that complement the green beans well.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon—is it necessary?
The cinnamon is optional and adds a subtle warm undertone to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, the dish will still be delicious without it.
How long can I simmer the Fasolakia for best results?
Simmering for 35 to 45 minutes usually yields perfectly tender beans and potatoes. Longer cooking might result in mushier vegetables, so keep an eye on the texture you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes that warms both the heart and the palate with its simple yet soulful flavors. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully satisfying, and a perfect way to bring a taste of Greece into your home kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try it soon—you’re in for a true culinary hug that will have you reaching for seconds each time!
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Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fasolakia is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes stewed in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs. This vegan Mediterranean recipe is hearty yet healthy, perfect as a main course or side dish and best enjoyed with crusty bread or feta cheese.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and grated or 1 can diced tomatoes
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup water or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir continuously for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the peeled and grated tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), dried oregano, ground cinnamon if using, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Potatoes and Green Beans: Add the chopped potatoes and trimmed green beans to the pot, then pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir the ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 35-45 minutes until the vegetables are very tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of olive oil and optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Fasolakia is traditionally served as a vegetarian main dish accompanied by crusty bread or feta cheese.
- The flavors improve when reheated, making it ideal for leftovers the next day.
- For variation, substitute some potatoes with carrots or zucchini.
