If you have ever craved a dish that feels like a comforting hug from the Mediterranean, then Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional Greek stew brings together tender green beans and potatoes bathed in a rich tomato sauce, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and the earthiness of olive oil. Each bite delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that are both simple and utterly satisfying, making it a beloved choice for anyone seeking authentic, home-style Greek cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to create this delicious Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is both straightforward and essential. Every ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the soft potatoes adding heartiness or the green beans providing that fresh, crisp contrast.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped: These give the dish a creamy texture and hearty base.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and authentic Greek flavor.
- 1 white onion, diced: Builds a fragrant, slightly sweet foundation.
- 220g green beans, trimmed: The star of the dish, bringing vibrant color and a satisfying bite.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the sauce.
- 400g chopped or crushed tomatoes: Creates a fresh, tangy base for the stew.
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar: Balances acidity and enhances natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning components that elevate every element.
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- 100g crumbled feta, to top (optional): Provides creamy, salty contrast when sprinkled over the finished meal.
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors. Dice the white onion finely to ensure it softens perfectly during cooking, and chop the fresh parsley to add at the end, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the diced onion. Let it sauté gently for 5 to 6 minutes until the onions are softened and slightly golden. This step builds the aromatic backbone of your Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe and infuses it with lovely caramelized notes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes
Next, stir in the chopped potatoes and let them cook with the onions for another 2 to 3 minutes. This not only begins softening the potatoes but also helps them soak up the rich olive oil and onion flavors right from the start, setting the stage for a harmonious stew.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to deepen that robust tomato base. Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook it for about a minute, allowing the paste to caramelize and intensify. Then pour in the chopped or crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the light brown sugar to balance the acidity, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well so those ingredients melt into a glossy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Simmer
Add the green beans and most of the chopped parsley to the pan, then cover and let everything simmer gently over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. You want the potatoes tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but not falling apart, while the green beans stay soft yet retain a slight bite. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water to keep it luscious and saucy.
Step 6: Serve
Finish your Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe by topping it with crumbled feta cheese, which provides a delightful salty kick, a drizzle of the remaining olive oil for extra richness, and the remaining fresh parsley to brighten each spoonful. This final flourish brings everything together in a dish that’s both rustic and elegant.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
While crumbled feta is the classic topping, you can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty brightness, or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts to introduce a bit of crunch and nutty flavor. These simple garnishes will enhance the natural freshness of the dish and create a more layered eating experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that rich tomato sauce and olive oil. You might also serve it alongside a Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and oregano for a fresh counterpoint that balances the warm, comforting beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive twist, try serving your Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe in individual shallow bowls, layered with a little extra crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Another idea is to turn it into a hearty filling for filo pie or combine it with rice for a one-pan meal that’s both versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fasolakia keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all the flavors and textures. The beans and potatoes actually soak up even more flavor overnight, making your second helping taste just as amazing as the first.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Greek favorite later, Fasolakia freezes well. Place the cooled stew in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Fasolakia slowly in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it feels too thick. This helps the potatoes and beans regain their tender texture and keeps the sauce silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well in this recipe and can be added directly to the pan during the simmering stage, just be mindful they may cook a little faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley really adds a bright, fresh flavor that’s characteristic of this dish. If using dried, add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavor to infuse.
Is Fasolakia a vegetarian dish?
Traditionally, Fasolakia is completely vegetarian and often even vegan if you skip the feta topping. The olive oil and tomatoes create such a deep, hearty flavor that no meat is necessary.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Some people like adding diced carrots or celery for extra texture and sweetness. Just keep in mind the simmering time may vary depending on what you add.
What wine pairs well with Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Assyrtiko or a light red like Pinot Noir complements this dish beautifully, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the green beans and potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both timeless and inviting, perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that’s both nourishing and full of soul, capturing the essence of Greek home cooking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation, warming your table and your heart every time.
Print
Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fasolakia is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh parsley and optionally topped with crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess. This comforting vegetable stew is perfect as a light main or a savory side dish, offering Mediterranean flavors in a simple, home-cooked recipe.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 220g green beans, trimmed
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g chopped or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
Other Ingredients
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100g crumbled feta, to top (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, dice the white onion finely, and chop the fresh parsley. Trim the green beans by snapping off the ends.
- Sauté the base: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion softens and takes on a slight golden color, developing sweetness and flavor.
- Add potatoes: Stir the chopped potatoes into the pan and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and begin to soften.
- Build the sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and cook it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to enhance its depth. Then pour in 400g of chopped or crushed tomatoes, add 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer: Add the trimmed green beans and most of the chopped parsley to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked through. If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a splash of water to maintain a nice consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the Fasolakia topped with crumbled feta cheese if using, a drizzle of the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the rest of the fresh parsley over the dish for garnish and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture; frozen can be used but may be softer.
- Adjust the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes depending on your preference.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a wonderful salty contrast and creaminess.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
- If the sauce is too tangy, add a bit more sugar or a splash of water to mellow it out.
