Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that shines all year round, look no further: Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is a rustic Mediterranean classic that truly delivers! This gently braised vegetable medley blends tender green beans, creamy potatoes, sweet carrots, and tomatoes with a swirl of golden olive oil and warm spices—creating a luscious, naturally vegan meal that’s nutritious, filling, and absolutely satisfying. Whether served warm as a main or chilled as part of a mezze spread, Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is proof that simple produce and bold Greek flavors make for legendary kitchen magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans comes from its short, everyday ingredient list—each element has a special role, from sweetness and texture to those sun-kissed Mediterranean hues. Gather these pantry and produce essentials for a dish that’s both vibrant and deeply savory.
- Fresh Green Beans (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the show—tender, trimmed green beans soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Greek cuisine’s liquid gold, bringing richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds savory depth and soft sweetness as the aromatic foundation.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A zesty punch—use fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Juicy tomato chunks create a luscious sauce and beautiful color.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato essence, giving body to the braise.
- Water (1/2 cup): Keeps everything simmering gently and prevents sticking.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Draws out the natural flavors of all the vegetables.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough mild heat to balance the sweetness.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of sweetness offsets any acidity from the tomatoes.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Signature Greek herb, infusing the dish with earthy fragrance.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint delivers subtle warmth—try it for a twist.
- Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cut into chunks): Transform Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans into a heartier meal—it’s like a built-in side dish!
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Bring natural sweetness and color to the medley.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled at the end for brightness and a pop of green.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): A generous squeeze wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir, cooking for just a minute—this will be the aromatic base that creates the irresistible foundation of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in your canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, sugar, dried oregano, and cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together until the tomato paste dissolves and you have a wonderfully aromatic, rosy sauce that’s ready to cozy up those veggies.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Carrots
To transform Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans into a truly satisfying main, add your chunky potatoes and sliced carrots right into the bubbling sauce. Let these simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing them to mingle and start to soften while absorbing the tomato and spice notes.
Step 4: Simmer with Green Beans
Now it’s time to introduce the green beans! Stir them into the pot, turning the heat down low. Cover and let everything gently simmer together for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring now and then. You’re looking for butter-tender vegetables and a thickened sauce that clings to every bite—it’s the very heart of what makes Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans so irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat, then scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget those lemon wedges. A bright squeeze over each serving is the ultimate flavor booster—and a touch that truly makes Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans sing.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans
Garnishes
Beyond a shower of chopped parsley, a final flourish of crumbled feta or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil makes Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans even more enticing. And the lemon wedges are non-negotiable—each squeeze adds a sparkling note that brings all those sun-soaked flavors to life.
Side Dishes
This dish has enough personality to stand solo as a light main, but it’s also a dream when paired with crusty bread for dipping, a wedge of tangy feta, or a simple Greek salad. For an even more Mediterranean-inspired table, add olives or a dollop of creamy tzatziki and you’ll be transported straight to a seaside taverna!
Creative Ways to Present
While Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is wonderful straight from the pot, try letting it cool completely and serving at room temp as part of an antipasto or mezze platter. It’s also fantastic spooned over rice or paired with grilled halloumi for a plant-based feast. For parties, serve mini portions in individual bowls for a gorgeous and unexpected starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The great secret of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans? It gets even more delicious as it sits! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen and meld, making “day two” servings especially crave-worthy.
Freezing
Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans freezes surprisingly well! Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste of sunshine, simply thaw and reheat—your future self will thank you.
Reheating
To reheat Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water as needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through. The beans and potatoes will stay tender, and the sauce will be as savory as ever.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh green beans aren’t available, frozen work beautifully in Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans. Just add them while still frozen—no need to thaw first. You may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
Is it necessary to use both potatoes and carrots?
Not at all! They’re classic, but you can make a lighter version by omitting one or both. You can even experiment with other root vegetables or just stick to green beans and tomatoes for a more traditional approach.
How do I make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans oil-free?
For a lighter or oil-free version, sauté the onions and garlic in a splash of vegetable broth instead of olive oil. Keep in mind that olive oil is a hallmark of the dish, but it’s absolutely possible to adjust for dietary needs.
Can I make Fasolakia in advance for a party?
Yes! In fact, Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is an ideal make-ahead dish. The flavors only improve after a day in the fridge, so prepare it a day ahead, cover, and chill. Just bring to room temperature before serving, or reheat as needed.
What’s the best way to keep the green beans vibrant and not mushy?
The key is low, slow simmering and careful stirring. Make sure to trim off just the ends of each bean, and don’t overcook beyond the 40-minute mark. The beans should be meltingly tender but still retain some shape and their beautiful green color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about sharing Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans at your table, whether for a simple weeknight dinner or that big Mediterranean feast. I hope you’re inspired to give this classic Greek favorite a go—there’s nothing quite like the aroma and flavor you’ll create from such humble ingredients. Trust me: you’ll want to make this one again and again!
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Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fasolakia is a traditional Greek dish of braised green beans in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, often served as a main course or side dish. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh green beans with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the tomato sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and cinnamon (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add vegetables and simmer: Add potatoes and carrots, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in green beans, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and sauce is thickened.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Fasolakia is traditionally served with crusty bread and feta cheese on the side.
- For a lighter version, omit the potatoes and carrots.
- This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
