Braised Green Beans
A flavorful braised green beans dish with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, perfect for a hearty side that complements various cuisines and is suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook until golden.
- Add green beans, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Ensure juices just cover the beans; add more water if needed.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes or until the beans are fork-tender.
- Serve with pan juices.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If fresh green beans aren't available, frozen ones work well too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can substitute canned tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes in peak season. For a different twist, try adding some cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
Braised green beans make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish, and they pair beautifully with Cucumber Side Salad for a light meal. For a complete dinner, serve them alongside Lentil-Rice Stew or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover braised green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. They can also be enjoyed cold in salads.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Green Beans contains roughly 106 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Add them to the pot during the last 25 minutes of cooking instead of the full 45 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic. This will infuse the dish with a nice kick that complements the other flavors.
What can I serve with braised green beans?
Braised green beans pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, fish, or steak. They also go wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes, such as a hearty couscous salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).