Welcome to our Greek Green Beans blog! If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish, you’ve come to the right place. Greek green beans, also known as fasolakia, are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and are loved for their tender texture and vibrant flavors. In this article, we will share with you two mouthwatering recipes that will make you fall in love with Greek green beans.
Recipe 1: Greek Green Beans with Tomatoes and Herbs
This first recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes and fragrant herbs to create a delightful Greek green bean dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of vegetable broth
– 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
– Feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
Now, let’s get cooking!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Gently add the green beans to the skillet and pour in the vegetable broth. Make sure the beans are evenly coated with the tomato mixture.
4. Cover the skillet and let the green beans simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they become tender but still have a slight crunch.
5. Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the dish if desired, and crumble some feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Serve the Greek green beans hot and enjoy as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Recipe 2: Greek Green Beans Salad
If you prefer a refreshing and light option, this Greek green beans salad will be perfect for you. Here are the ingredients:
– 1 pound of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s start preparing this vibrant salad!
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the green beans for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Drain them and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color.
2. In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve the Greek green beans salad cold and serve it as a refreshing side dish or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
There you have it, two delightful recipes to enjoy the wonderful flavors of Greek green beans. Whether you choose the warm and hearty option or the cool and refreshing salad, these dishes are sure to elevate your next meal. Give them a try and let your taste buds take a trip to the sunny Mediterranean!
