Green Bean Plaki(Armenian Bean-Vegetable Dish)
Green Bean Plaki is a vibrant Armenian vegetable dish featuring tender green beans simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Its combination of savory and fresh flavors makes it perfect as a side or main for any meal, served hot, cold, or at room temperature for versatile enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided ⓘ
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut diagonally in 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably olive) ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- parsley to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- lemon slices (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Add green beans; bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in oil until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the green beans, tomatoes, parsley, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-trimmed green beans or frozen ones. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, canned diced tomatoes can be a good substitute. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste; fresh herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Green Bean Plaki is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish. Consider serving it alongside a Tomato And Onion Salad or alongside a warm bowl of Polenta(Microwave). Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices for a zesty finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 to prevent sticking. You can also serve it cold as part of a Mediterranean recipes spread or toss it into a Marinated Veggie Salad for added freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Plaki(Armenian Bean-Vegetable Dish) contains roughly 411 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish. The cooking time may need slight adjustments since they are already blanched.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and garlic. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce can be stirred in just before serving to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Green Bean Plaki is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a perfect dish for those looking for healthy vegan recipes that are full of flavor and nutrition.
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).