If you ever felt green beans could be a bit dull then you need to try these Greek green beans. Fasolakia is a simple way to cook them, using olive oil and tomatoes, but the result is so fresh, flavorful and delicious.
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Some vegetables I find really easy to use in different ways, others less so. Green beans are definitely on the less-so end. Sure, you can throw them into a stir fry, but I find them harder to prepare just on their own.
I do quite like them steamed as a side, but some extra flavor is always a bonus. The German style with smoked ham, speckbohnen, is one I grew up with and love, but I have never quite got into the Southern-US style casserole. I was recently reminded about this traditional Greek way of preparing them which we definitely need to have more often.
Lathera style cooking
Fasolakia is part of a family of Greek dishes known as "lathera" or "ladera". It's a style of cooking particularly used for vegetables cooking them in olive oil, often with tomatoes as well. It may not sound like anything unusual, but the dishes take a little more time to cook than a simple sauté, and this means the oil is not just to cook but to add flavor.
"Lathera" means "ones with oil" coming from the Greek word "lathi" for oil. Lathera dishes are predominantly vegetarian and it's a style of cooking that evolved from peasant cooking.
Originally, the vegetables were cooked just with oil and water. As tomatoes were introduced to Greece in the 17th century and gradually became popular more in the 19th century, they were added to many lathera dishes as well.
For this green beans dish, using tomatoes is now the typical way to cook it. You leave everything to cook together a while and infuse with flavor.
See how it all comes together in the short video!
Olive oil in Greek cooking
Olives have been grown for many centuries in Greece and the Ancient Greeks helped to spread the cultivation of olives around the Mediterranean region. They considered eating olives as important to your health and they are still a cope part of most Mediterranean diets.
Olive oil is the main fat used to cook the majority of foods in Greek cooking, both for shallow frying and roasting. It is also used as a seasoning, in marinades as well as simply to dip bread into. It's no surprise Greece is still one of the top producers of olives in the world.
When would you eat fasolakia?
This dish is very versatile works well as part of a meze platter alongside a range of other dishes. This often includes both cold plates such as hummus and baba ghanoush as well as warm dishes like saganaki, meat dishes like Greek meatballs and vegetables like these.
Most traditionally, though, you might have this as a vegetarian main with bread on the side. One of the main times you might have it is during what's often called the Great Lent, in the run up to Easter (Pascha). It's an most important fasting period under Orthodox beliefs.
Traditionally, meat and dairy are abstained from the whole time, while oil and wine are allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays and some feast days. Fish is only allowed on Palm Sunday. As a result, vegetable dishes which are a core part of the Greek diet in general take on a particular importance during this period.
For me, it works as a wonderfully versatile side dish to everything from roast chicken to grilled meats or other vegetable dishes. Being vegan and gluten free as well, it's great for a broad range of diets.
Whatever the reason or timing, Greek green beans, fasolakia, is easy to make and packed with flavor. You don't need that many ingredients, but they all come together so beautifully to let all the elements shine. They're a great way to use some green beans, so be sure to enjoy soon.
Try these other tasty vegetable side dishes:
- Maple roasted parsnips (topped with a tasty tahini dressing)
- Japanese simmered squash (kabocha na nimono, kabocha braised in a dashi-based broth)
- Moroccan eggplant with chermoula
- Spanakorizo (Greek spinach rice - can also be a main)
- Plus get more side dishes in the archives.
Greek green beans - fasolakia
Ingredients
- 12 oz green beans
- ½ onion med-large
- 1 clove garlic medium
- 8 oz tomatoes (around 2 medium-large)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the beans and set aside. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Cut the tomatoes in half through the middle and grate them into a bowl/deep plate to catch all of the flesh and juices. To grate, hold the tomato half by the end and grate the inside edge so that you are left holding the skin. Discard the skins.
- Warm roughly half of the oil in a medium-small pot over a medium heat then add the onion. Cook the onion for a few minutes to soften it then add the rest of the oil and the garlic.
- Stir to mix then add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for a minute or two to warm through then add the beans.
- Stir to try to get all of the beans until the liquid then cover the pot, reduce the heat and simmer for around 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid level, particularly towards the end and if it looks dry, add a little water.
- Sprinkle in the parsley, stir this through and cook a minute more before serving. Can be served as a side dish or as a main with eg bread and feta cheese.
Video
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
I first shared the recipe for fasolakia, Greek green beans, on Curious Cuisiniere where I am a contributor.
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Julia says
Love green beans, but always run out of ideas how to prepare them. Saving this a must-try, it looks delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
I know just what you mean - these are a lovely way to add to your list.
Shashi says
Such a tasty and easy side - one that will be made on repeat in our home.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree it is so easy and we love it as well.