Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)

Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)! Velvety, tender green beans and potatoes, braised in a tomato and extra virgin olive oil sauce. A simple, flavor-packed, and satisfying entree or side dish. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Egyptians call it Fasolia. Greeks call it Fasolakia. More accurately, Fasolakia Lathera, or, braised green beans.

Actually, the word Lathera means, “ones with oil,” and it describes a whole category of Greek dishes where vegetables are meant to literally swim in quality extra virgin olive oil. Nothing better, in my opinion.

These Greek green beans are braised in tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil with onions, garlic and spices. Then they are finished with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and more extra virgin olive oil.

So, unlike crunchy steamed or sauteed green beans, these Greek green beans are velvety, tender, but certainly not mushy.

There are as many variations of traditional Greek green beans as you can imagine. Every household has it’s twist. In this recipe, I used potatoes to give the beans more substance as a vegan entree.

What to serve with Greek Green Beans

All you really need is some good Greek pita bread or your favorite rustic bread to sop up the sauce. But, to serve these green beans simply as a side, you can add rice and your favorite protein like grilled chicken or lamb. I typically prepare a simple Greek salad or this 3-ingredient Mediterranean salad to start the meal.

Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

Author: The Mediterranean Dish
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4-6

Ingredients

Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 28-oz can peeled whole tomato
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 lb fresh French green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 Yokon gold potatoes (about 1 lb), cut into small piece (1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces)
Salt and black pepper
lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
In a large Dutch Oven, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender, stirring occasionally (about 5 mins). Then add the garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook another 2 mins, stirring regularly, until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, water, bay leaf, beans, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring to a high simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cover and transfer to the heated oven. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens, and the beans and potatoes can easily be cut with side of your fork; about 35 minutes or so. (It’s a good idea to check once partway through cooking, add a little bit of water if needed.)
Remove from oven and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Stir in a generous drizzle of olive oil (at least another 1/4 cup).
Serve immediately with Greek pita bread or your favorite rustic bread to sop up the sauce!

Notes

These green beans are also great as a side dish atop Lebanese rice and next to your favorite protein, chicken kabobs, for example. See more suggestions in the post under “what to serve with Greek Green Beans.”