Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans) Recipe
Traditional Fasolakia is a comforting Greek dish made with fresh green beans slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce with extra virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, and parsley. This easy Mediterranean recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect as a healthy side dish or light main course.
Servings: 8
Calories: 175kcal
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 100 ml about ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium onions peeled and grated
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 400 g (14 oz) ripe Roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 100 ml about ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp water
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut any particularly long beans in half.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add the grated onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Green Beans: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the green beans and stir for another 2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped Roma tomatoes and 100 ml water. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Slowly: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and stir in the chopped parsley. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or feta cheese.
Notes
- Green Beans: Use fresh, tender green beans for the best flavor and texture. Flat Romano beans are traditional, but regular green beans work well too.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for the rich flavor and silky texture of authentic Greek Fasolakia.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe Roma tomatoes for a naturally sweet sauce. Canned crushed tomatoes are a convenient substitute.
- Cooking Time: Simmer gently for 60–90 minutes, or until the green beans are completely tender.
- Water: Start with 100 ml of water and add a little more only if needed to prevent the sauce from sticking.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, but dill or mint can also be used for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add peeled potato wedges during cooking.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and black pepper toward the end of cooking to balance the tomato sauce.