Fassolakia Freska Me Domata Greek Green Beans Tomato Food

FASSOLAKIA FRESKA ME DOMATA - GREEK GREEN BEANS & TOMATO

Steps:

• Wash the beans, cut off the tips and remove the stringy piece of fiber along the seam. Rinse the beans.
• In a soup pot, sauté the onions in olive oil with a wooden spoon until they turn translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and sauté a few minutes more. Add all the remaining ingredients and the water. Stir well, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 50 minutes or until the beans are tender. (Add more water if needed during cooking - boiling water.).
• Serve warm. On the side, consider tzatziki or feta cheese, and certainly some great country bread.
• Note: This serves 4 as a main dish, 6-8 as a side. For a more substantial dish, add 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks.

GREEK GREEN BEANS (FASOLAKIA)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• In a large Dutch Oven, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender, stirring occasionally (about 5 mins). Then add the garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook another 2 mins, stirring regularly, until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes, water, bay leaf, beans, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring to a high simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cover and transfer to the heated oven. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens, and the beans and potatoes can easily be cut with side of your fork; about 35 minutes or so. (It's a good idea to check once partway through cooking, add a little bit of water if needed.)
• Remove from oven and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Stir in a generous drizzle of olive oil (at least another 1/4 cup).
• Serve immediately with Greek pita bread or your favorite rustic bread to sop up the sauce!

GREEK GREEN BEANS (SKETA FASSOULA)

Steps:

• Wash and string the beans, but leave them whole.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil until hot.
• Add the onion and saute for about 5 minutes until it is tender, but not brown.
• Add the green beans.
• Cover the skillet.
• Cook for about 15 minutes or until the beans start to wilt.
• Coarsely chop two of the tomatoes (ONLY TWO).
• Add to the pan and cover again.
• Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes have melted into a sauce.
• Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• If necessary add another one or two chopped tomatoes and continue cooking.
• You may need to add extra olive oil also as it contributes to the flavor.
• Cook until the beans are very tender.
• Trust me, crunchy does NOT work with this dish.
• Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature (the way Greeks do).
• If you can find good, creamy feta, crumble a good chunk into the beans before serving.