"Vrasta Fasoulakia Freska" - Stewed Fresh Green Beans
A vibrant Greek-inspired dish featuring tender green beans simmered with fresh herbs, garlic, and tomato sauce, perfect for healthy weekday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the finely chopped onion in butter until golden.
- Wash the green beans and cut them into 2-inch lengths.
- Add the green beans to the onion and saute, stirring constantly until they turn a bright green.
- Add minced garlic, mint, parsley, fennel seed, tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish. If fresh mint is unavailable, dried mint can be a suitable substitute. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition. Make sure to wash the green beans thoroughly before cutting to remove any dirt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vrasta Fasoulakia Freska as a main dish or a side alongside grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean Linguine(It'S Easy And Delicious!) or a refreshing Romaine And Artichoke Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stewed green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. They can also be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Vrasta Fasoulakia Freska" - Stewed Fresh Green Beans contains roughly 499 calories, with 15g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but adjust the cooking time as they may require less time to become tender. Just add them directly to the pan without thawing, and simmer until heated through and tender.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both will add a nice flavor and help sauté the onions to a golden color.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili pepper when adding the garlic and herbs. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
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).