If you’ve been searching for a heartwarming, simple dish that bursts with authentic flavors, you can stop right here. Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is a vibrant, rustic favorite from the Mediterranean kitchen that effortlessly combines tender green beans, potatoes, and a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and oregano. It’s a perfect reflection of Greek home cooking—comforting, wholesome, and packed with fresh ingredients that come together in a way that simply feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is how easily accessible and straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role: the green beans for their crisp texture, potatoes bringing a comforting creaminess, and the tomatoes providing a bright, tangy backbone. Together, they create a melody of flavors you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
- 1 ½ pounds green beans (trimmed): Fresh green beans add a vibrant color and a satisfying snap to the dish.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Onions lend sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses an irresistible aroma that hints at Mediterranean tradition.
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks): Potatoes give creaminess and help to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- 4 medium tomatoes (peeled and grated or 1 can diced tomatoes): Tomatoes provide the fresh, tangy brightness that ties the entire dish together.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Good quality olive oil is essential for that luscious, silky texture and authentic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek oregano brings that herbal note that’s signature to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warm complexity that elevates the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and highlights all the flavors.
- ½ cup water or vegetable broth: Helps the ingredients simmer slowly to tender perfection while building the sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a fresh, bright finish that adds a lovely pop of green.
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it soften gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks a sweet, mellow base flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—a brief 30 seconds is all it needs to release that mouthwatering aroma.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Now it’s time to layer in the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly with the onions and garlic. Allow it to cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor, then add the grated or canned tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon if you’re using it, and a seasoning of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry all those beautiful tastes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once your tomato base is fragrant and rich, stir in the diced potatoes and trimmed green beans. Pour in the water or vegetable broth to create a stewing liquid that will slowly soften these veggies.
Step 4: Simmer to Tenderness
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low and cover your pot. Let it simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is tender green beans and potatoes that soak up the divinely thickened sauce. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash more water and adjust the seasoning once the veggies are just right.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving, which adds a sheen and richness to the dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the plate visually but also adds a fresh pop of flavor to balance the stew’s warmth.
Side Dishes
Fasolakia shines on its own as a wholesome vegetarian main, but pairing it with crusty bread is an absolute game-changer—perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce. For an extra touch of Greek authenticity, serve alongside some creamy feta cheese or a simple Greek salad for a beautifully balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting Fasolakia as a vibrant topping for a bed of fluffy rice or couscous, turning it into a colorful and hearty bowl meal. You might also serve it chilled or at room temperature for a Mediterranean-style picnic or mezze platter—it’s just as delicious and the flavors deepen wonderfully when allowed to rest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fasolakia keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, so it tastes even better the next day—a delicious bonus!
Freezing
You can freeze Fasolakia for longer storage. Portion it out and freeze in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of potatoes may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor will remain fantastic.
Reheating
Gently reheat Fasolakia in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave to preserve the texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Fasolakia?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes work wonderfully if they’re ripe and juicy—just peel and grate them. Using canned tomatoes is a convenient shortcut, especially if you want consistent flavor year-round.
Is Fasolakia suitable for vegans?
Definitely. This Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is naturally vegan, relying solely on plant-based ingredients and olive oil for richness, making it a perfect vegan main or side dish.
Can I substitute the potatoes with other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots or zucchini can be used in place of part or all of the potatoes. They will add different textures and flavors, so feel free to experiment according to what you have on hand.
Why is cinnamon used in some versions of Fasolakia?
Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the oregano and tomato, giving the dish a unique Mediterranean flair. It’s optional but highly recommended if you’re curious to try a traditional twist.
How long does it take to prepare Fasolakia?
From start to finish, including prep and cooking, this recipe takes about an hour. The simmering time allows the flavors to develop fully, rewarding your patience with rich, homey tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and soul of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy a bit of Greece’s sun-drenched flavors no matter where you are. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make this recipe soon—it’s an easy way to bring a little Mediterranean warmth and love right into your kitchen.
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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 vegan dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. This healthy and comforting stew is perfect as a main course or side dish, embodying Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients.
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)
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat preparing the base of the stew.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent, building flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Add tomato paste and tomatoes: Incorporate the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute, then add grated fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes along with dried oregano, optional cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add potatoes and green beans: Add the peeled potato chunks and trimmed green beans to the pot, mixing everything together well.
- Add liquid and simmer: Pour in water or vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding extra water if necessary, until the green beans and potatoes are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Adjust seasonings and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with a little olive oil and garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Traditionally served as a vegetarian main dish alongside crusty bread or feta cheese.
- Fasolakia tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- For variation, substitute some potatoes with carrots or zucchini.
