Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is one of those cozy dishes that instantly transports you to a sunlit Mediterranean kitchen. With its irresistibly tangy tomato sauce, tender green beans, and a hearty pop of potato, this classic recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, wholesome eating. Simple ingredients come together to create bold flavors that taste even better after a day in the fridge, making Fasolakia not just easy to prepare, but sublime for leftovers. Whether you serve it as a main or as part of a larger Greek feast, this plant-based dish is sure to win you over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is a breeze, and every element plays a special role in crafting its signature layers of flavor. From the grassy snap of green beans to the lushness of good olive oil, each one brings something essential to the table—don’t be tempted to skip or substitute if you want the full, authentic experience!
- Olive oil: Use a generous hand—Greek recipes are built on rich, fruity olive oil for that silky finish and depth of flavor.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped: When sautéed, onion builds a sweet, savory base that supports the entire dish.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle bite that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- Green beans, trimmed: Fresh, young green beans are essential—they’ll turn wonderfully tender as they simmer.
- Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks: Potatoes soak up the sauce, becoming deliciously creamy and satisfying bites.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Tomatoes form the saucy backbone that makes this stew so inviting.
- Water or vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor, but water is perfectly fine for a lighter stew.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that gives a familiar, earthy note.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch gives the sauce warmth and an unexpected depth—totally worth trying!
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Adjust as you go; seasoning is what brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds brightness and fresh color.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze of lemon at the table makes the flavors absolutely sing.
How to Make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring often, for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft, translucent, and just beginning to brown—this coaxes out its sweetest flavor. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute more, just until fragrant but not browned. This simple step is the aromatic heart of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans!
Step 2: Add the Green Beans and Potatoes
Next, stir in your trimmed green beans and potato chunks. Give everything a good toss in that oniony, garlicky olive oil to coat them well. This quick, gentle sauté allows the vegetables to soak up all those inviting flavors and get them ready for a slow simmer in tomatoes.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and your chosen liquid—either water or vegetable broth if you want a richer result. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and cinnamon (if you’re feeling adventurous), then add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything, letting the herbs and spices mingle with the base. At this stage, the kitchen will already be smelling heavenly!
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook for 35 to 45 minutes, giving an occasional stir and adding a splash more water if it starts to dry out. The goal is to have meltingly soft potatoes and green beans, all bathed in a thick, tomato-rich sauce. Taste and tweak the seasoning as you like!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done, sprinkle over fresh parsley if you like and serve with plenty of lemon wedges on the side. The lemon’s bright acidity ties all those warm, savory notes together. Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is delicious served warm, but also just as wonderful at room temperature.
How to Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans
Garnishes
Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans really comes alive with the simplest finishing touches. A handful of chopped fresh parsley scattered over the top brings instant freshness and vibrant color. Don’t skip the lemon wedges—just a bright squeeze over each serving lifts the whole dish, enhancing both the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthy green beans. For an extra treat, scatter a little crumbled feta on top if you’re not keeping it vegan!
Side Dishes
If you’re building a meal around Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans, it plays beautifully with other Greek favorites. Pair it with crusty bread (the better for mopping up the sauce!), a crisp Greek salad, or even a dish of creamy tzatziki. It can stand confidently as a main course, but also rounds out a Mediterranean mezze spread alongside olives and roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful with your presentation! Serve Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans in shallow bowls for a rustic, homey vibe. For entertaining, try portioning it out in small plates as part of a tapas-style spread. You can even offer it at room temperature as a picnic salad with plenty of lemon on the side. However you serve it, this dish brings instant Greek sunshine to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the magical secrets of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is that it only gets better with time! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the flavors deepen and meld overnight. It will keep well for up to four days—perfect for meal prep or busy weeks when you need a nourishing, ready-to-go lunch.
Freezing
While Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans is best enjoyed fresh or after a short rest in the fridge, you can freeze it if needed. Cool it completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep in the freezer for up to three months, though the texture of green beans may be a bit softer after thawing. Remember to label with the date!
Reheating
To reheat Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings until hot, but stovetop reheating keeps the flavors and textures at their best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans?
Absolutely! When tomatoes are at their peak, feel free to swap the canned version for about 1 1/2 cups of fresh, ripe tomatoes—chopped or grated. Just let them cook down a little longer to create a rich sauce, as canned tomatoes tend to break down more quickly.
Is Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans meant to be eaten warm or cold?
Either way is traditional, so it’s really up to you! Many families enjoy it warm for dinner but love the leftovers straight from the fridge the next day. Its flavors deepen and mellow beautifully as it sits, so don’t hesitate to try it at room temperature, too.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, zucchini, or even chunks of eggplant fit right into the spirit of Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans. Just remember that each vegetable may have a slightly different cooking time, so adjust as needed for ultimate tenderness.
What protein pairs well with Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans?
This dish is already a surprisingly satisfying vegan main, but it also goes wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared fish if you want to keep with a Greek protein pairing. Or simply crumble a little feta cheese over the top for some added richness!
How can I make Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans gluten-free?
Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set! Just double-check any store-bought broth or accompaniments like bread if you’re serving them on the side.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet made Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans at home, there’s no better time to start! It’s genuine comfort food with a Mediterranean soul: hearty, colorful, and bursting with sunshine in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself making it over and over, sharing it with friends, and dreaming of your own Greek kitchen.
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Fasolakia – Greek Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Fasolakia is a traditional Greek dish of green beans and potatoes stewed in a tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is hearty and flavorful, making it a perfect side dish or main course.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add vegetables: Add the green beans and potatoes, stirring to coat in the oil and aromatics.
- Combine with tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water (or broth). Add oregano, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 35–45 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Fasolakia can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- For a heartier version, add chopped carrots or serve with feta cheese and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
