If you’re searching for a dish that marries simple, wholesome ingredients with comforting, vibrant flavors, look no further than Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe. This traditional Greek stew brings tender green beans and potatoes together in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with the warmth of sautéed onions and the brightness of fresh parsley. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just craving an easy, nourishing meal, this recipe captures the essence of rustic Greek cooking in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a starring role, adding unique texture, color, and flavor to the final dish. From the earthiness of potatoes to the freshness of herbs, these components blend harmoniously to create something truly special.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped: Adds hearty texture and helps thicken the stew as they cook down.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Delivers richness and is essential for authentic Greek flavor.
- 1 white onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and fragrant base when sautéed.
- 220g green beans, trimmed: The star vegetable, bringing crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- 400g chopped or crushed tomatoes: Forms the luscious, tangy body of the stew.
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances and rounds the flavors.
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and a burst of herbal brightness.
- 100g crumbled feta, to top (optional): Adds creamy, salty contrast to the veggie-filled stew.
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully. Dice the onion finely to melt into the dish, and chop your fresh parsley to add later, ensuring that herbal freshness shines through at the end.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion Base
Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently for 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly golden. This step builds an aromatic foundation that will infuse the whole stew with a sweet and savory depth.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Stir in the chopped potatoes with the softened onions. Let them cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start soaking up some of that olive oil and melding with the onion flavors.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste and cook it for about a minute to remove any raw taste and deepen the flavor. Then add the chopped or crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the light brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. This sauce base will become wonderfully rich and slightly sweet as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer with Green Beans and Parsley
Now add your trimmed green beans along with most of the chopped fresh parsley. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender when poked with a fork. If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, just add a splash of water to loosen it up and keep it saucy.
Step 6: Serve with Feta and Olive Oil
Finish the dish by topping it with crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy touch. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle over the last bit of parsley for a fresh, vibrant presentation that invites you to dig in.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe really sing, adding crumbled feta on top provides an irresistible salty tang that cuts through the richness. Fresh parsley added just before serving brings a burst of color and a bright, herbal aroma that’s utterly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This hearty green bean stew pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or traditional Greek pita to soak up all that delicious tomato sauce. For a fuller meal, serve alongside lemony roasted chicken or grilled fish to keep the Mediterranean vibe alive and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the fasolakia in rustic earthenware bowls that showcase the vibrant reds and greens. Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra zing your guests can add themselves. You can also drizzle a little more olive oil just before serving to give the dish a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it a handy make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your fasolakia slowly over low heat to prevent the potatoes from breaking down too much. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or olive oil if the stew seems dry. It will come back to life quickly, delicious and comforting just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well in Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe and can be added directly during the simmering step. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen beans generally cook faster than fresh ones.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The stew itself is naturally vegan and bursting with flavor from the tomatoes, potatoes, and fresh herbs.
How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked?
They should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Gently poke a piece with a fork or knife—if it slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are ready.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Of course! Feel free to add carrots or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure all veggies are tender.
What wine pairs well with Fasolakia?
A crisp, dry white wine like Assyrtiko or even a Sauvignon Blanc complements the acidity and freshness of this Greek green bean stew wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a recipe as comforting and wholesome as Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little taste of Greece into your kitchen, celebrating fresh ingredients and homestyle cooking. I encourage you to try this dish soon—you’ll find it’s not just a meal but an experience bursting with tradition, flavor, and warmth.
Print
Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Vegetarian Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fasolakia is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender green beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. This hearty yet light recipe is perfect as a side or a main dish, offering Mediterranean flavors with a touch of feta cheese for added creaminess.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 220g green beans, trimmed
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped
Pantry Items
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g chopped or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 100g crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and chop the potatoes, dice the onion, and chop the fresh parsley finely to prepare all ingredients for cooking.
- Sauté the base: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and slightly golden, releasing its sweetness and aroma.
- Add potatoes: Stir in the chopped potatoes with the onions and cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to start softening the potatoes.
- Build the sauce: Add one tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring well. Then pour in the chopped or crushed tomatoes along with the light brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer: Add the trimmed green beans and most of the chopped parsley to the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and top with crumbled feta cheese, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and garnish with the remaining parsley. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes according to your taste.
- Adding a splash of water during simmering helps prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Feta topping is optional but adds a rich, salty flavor that complements the vegetables.
- This dish can be served hot or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
