Fasolakia Yiahni (Green Beans in Tomato Sauce)
Dive into the deliciousness of Fasolakia, a Greek classic that transforms simple green beans into a summer sensation! Picture tender green beans and chunky potatoes simmered in a rich, fragrant tomato sauce. It's a dish that sings of sunny days and Greek gardens bursting with fresh produce. Perfect for family dinners, this delightful recipe brings the essence of Greek cooking straight to your table. With every bite, you'll savor the magic of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, cleaned and trimmed
- 4 yellow potatoes, chopped into chunks
- 1 Small onion, diced
- 3 roma tomatoes, grated
- 3 Cloves cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Cups water (or enough to almost cover the beans)
- 1/3 Cup Olive OIl
- 1 Tbsp Oregano
- Fresh dill or any fresh herb, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Feta cheese, for topping
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, warm up that olive oil until it's shimmering like a Greek sunset. Toss in the diced onion and chopped potatoes, add a pinch of salt, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are see-through and the potatoes start to soften. Let them mingle!
- Add the crushed garlic and let it party for about a minute until it smells amazing. Stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize for another 2 minutes.
- Add the green beans, making sure they're nicely coated with the tomato mixture. Pour in the water, almost covering the beans. Bring the mix to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked but still have a bit of bite.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level—add a splash more water if things get too dry. The dish should be saucy but not soupy. Once done, season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh dill or any herb you love, top with crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with extra olive oil. It's like a Greek garden on a plate!
- Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up that fabulous tomato sauce. Gather your friends and family because this dish is made for sharing!
Notes
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra flavor boost, use a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes.
- Prefer a thicker sauce? Just reduce the amount of water.
- Make it ahead—the flavors get even better the next day!
- Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for a twist.
- Grate tomatoes using the large holes on a box grater for a chunkier texture.