String Beans Provencale
A flavorful Provencale string beans dish with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, perfect for a hearty side or vegetarian main that suits any casual or family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until soft.
- Add plum tomatoes in thick puree or tomato sauce, crumbled thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper; break up the tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- Stir in string beans; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes or until tender.
- Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Serve hot or warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of String Beans Provencale, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well too; just use half the amount. For a heartier dish, you can include diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve String Beans Provencale as a vibrant side dish with roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Red Cabbage And Apple Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or serve it alongside pasta for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover String Beans Provencale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture of the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of String Beans Provencale contains roughly 105 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1827mg 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 string beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen string beans can be used in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking, and you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the beans.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, and to make it vegan, simply ensure that your tomato sauce is free from any animal products. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost the nutrition.
What can I substitute for plum tomatoes?
If you don't have plum tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount of puree or sauce for the desired consistency in the dish.
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).