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
Scale
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.
