Greek Green Beans
A flavorful Greek green bean dish featuring tender beans cooked with onion, cinnamon, and tomato paste, perfect for those seeking a savory vegetarian side or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan; add onion and cinnamon. Cook, stirring often, 4 minutes or until onion is tender.
- Add green beans, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until green beans are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like dill or oregano to the onions. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can work as substitutes. The dish can also be made with frozen green beans; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance the dish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Greek Green Beans as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or enjoy them as a light vegetarian meal with quinoa or couscous. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Chicken Chard And Rice Soup. For a complete meal, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Green Beans contains roughly 332 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1704mg per serving (74% 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 canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned green beans, but the texture will be softer. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pan, and reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes, just enough to heat through.
What can I add to this recipe for extra protein?
For extra protein, consider adding cooked diced chicken or chickpeas to the dish. Both options will complement the flavors and make it more filling. If using chickpeas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep or as a side dish for gatherings.
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).