Traditional Greek Fasolakia (Stewed Green Beans)
A classic Greek vegetarian dish made with fresh green beans, potatoes, and a rich tomato sauce. This hearty, flavorful recipe is a staple in Greek households and perfect for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Fasolakia
- 1 pound 500g fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes grated (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 tsp dried oregano optional
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse the green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut them in half if they are particularly long.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Tomatoes
- Stir in the potato chunks and cook for 2 minutes. Add the grated tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes), sugar (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Green Beans
- Add the green beans and water or broth to the pot. Stir everything well to coat the beans and potatoes in the tomato sauce.
- Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the beans and potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread and a side of feta cheese.