Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia Giaxni) is a simple, satisfying dish
Greek Green Beans Braised with Tomatoes and Onions — Fasolakia Giaxni — is a simple dish that packs a satisfying punch. It’s traditionally made from braising beans with tomato, onions and olive oil. I found these flat broad Romano beans at the market this week, which was exciting, since they’re not always available. Regular green beans work as well.
Greek Green Beans Recipe inspiration
I’m basing this recipe off a spectacular version of it that I ate seaside in Crete this summer. My husband Alex and I were spending a lazy day rocking in the hammocks at Diaskari Beach on the southeastern coast of Crete. There happened to be a taverna of the same name that served a handful of incredible local dishes. Our lunch included dakos (barley rusks) topped with tomato and mizithra cheese, marinated anchovies, fava (yellow split pea spread), and these sweet tender beans braised in tomato and onions.
Greek Green Beans is one of the most traditional recipes all around the country. While the dish traditionally calls for the addition of potatoes (great for mashing into the sauce to soak it up), I threw some chickpeas into the mix instead for a little more protein. And because they’re one of my favorite ingredients overall.
Adding finishing touches
This recipe is a perfect vegan main dish, but can also benefit from a few crumbles of creamy feta to finish it off. Feel free to be creative with the herbs you add to it as well. Parsley adds some freshness, and fresh or dried dill will also add some depth of flavor. It’s all about cooking the dish to your taste. Have some bread on hand to soak up the sauce too!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 pounds fresh green beans or romano beans; if using romano beans, trim into 2 to 3-inch pieces
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin Greek olive oil
- 1 large white onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 14 ounce can garbanzo beans or 3 potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cinnamon sticks, (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2-3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley or dill for garnish
- 1/4 cup or more of feta cheese for garnish
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook onions with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in olive oil for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the carrots and garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the beans, chickpeas and/or potatoes, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine with the other ingredients in the pot.
- Add the tomatoes and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans and potatoes (if using) are tender.
- Stir in dill. Let cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, until the beans are the texture you desire.
- Adjust seasonings, serve and garnish with additional dill, and feta cheese (optional).
Notes
Traditionally, this dish is served with potatoes. For this recipe I'm using chickpeas for more protein.
Nutrition Facts
Greek Green Beans Braised with Tomatoes and Onions — Fasolakia Giaxni
Serves: 4
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Amount Per Serving: 1
|
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|---|---|---|
| Calories | 558.54 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 19.37 g | 29.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 3.79 g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 8.34 mg | 2.7% | |
| Sodium 1491.23 mg | 62.1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 79.16 g | 26.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 25.61 g | 100% | |
| Sugars 17.0 g | ||
| Protein 24.08 g | ||
| Vitamin A 47.79 % | Vitamin C 32.86 % | |
| Calcium 27.44 % | Iron 42.02 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Sweet Greek Personal Chef and Culinary Services Los Angeles, CA
I must say verry tasty . Thank u.