Nicoise Green Beans
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired green bean dish featuring tomatoes, herbs, and a savory sauce, perfect for vegetarians and served with pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in large frying pan with olive oil until lightly browned.
- Boil or steam green beans until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock or water, bay leaf, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir well and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Season to taste, then add the cooked beans to the sauce and stir.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or dill instead of basil. If you prefer a heartier dish, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein. To enhance the flavor, try roasting the green beans instead of boiling them. Adjust the seasoning with lemon juice for brightness or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is excellent on its own or served alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile addition to any meal. It pairs beautifully with pasta or rice, and a fresh salad, such as a Marinated Garden Tomatoes, complements the flavors nicely. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to prevent drying out. Heat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nicoise Green Beans contains roughly 569 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% 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, frozen green beans can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding to the sautéed vegetables. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may need less time to cook through.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you don't have olive oil on hand, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as alternatives. Both oils have a high smoke point and will work well for sautéing the onions and celery.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Nicoise Green Beans recipe is naturally vegan since it features vegetables and herbs without any animal products. You can enhance it further by serving it with a side of Vegan recipes like a fresh salad or grains.
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).