Whenever I make steak or breaded cutlets, I crave something more exciting than potatoes or rice. That's why I'm sharing this vibrant recipe for Greek-style green beans in tomato sauce! It's a healthy, flavourful, and easy-to-make dish that will liven up any meal.
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Why We Love This Green Bean Recipe?
I chose this green bean recipe because, as you know, I love simple, quick recipes that are both delicious and healthy—especially those the whole family enjoys! And green beans, packed with antioxidants, are a family favourite. You'll find other ways to use them on our blog, like our green bean soup and our green bean salad with garlic.
This green beans in tomato sauce recipe is super simple, requiring just a few ingredients! It's naturally vegan, but anyone can add cheese or eggs if they prefer. It also pairs perfectly with stewed meats for a complete meal. Let me show you what ingredients I used!
Ingredients
For this green bean dish, I'm cooking for four hungry people, and I'll be using 650g (1.5 lbs) of fresh green beans and a medium-sized yellow onion. If you don't have fresh beans, you can also use frozen or canned ones—that's perfectly fine.
Since tomatoes aren't in season, I'll boost their flavour by adding a spoonful of tomato paste for richness and depth.
I'll also use about 200ml (½ can) of tomato sauce. I like a sauce flavoured with herbs for a nice Mediterranean touch, but if you can't find that, use plain tomato sauce and add some oregano and dried basil.
How to Make the Green Beans in Tomato Sauce?
Preparing the Ingredients
Because I'm using fresh green beans, I first need to prepare them by snapping off the stems and any strings, then breaking them into smaller pieces. If you're using frozen or canned green beans, you can skip this step.
I peeled and finely chopped the onion, and now it's time to start cooking!
Boiling the Beans
In a soup pot, boil about two liters of water, to which we add two teaspoons of sea salt. When the water boils, add the green beans and cook for about 15 minutes until the beans soften but remain firm.
After the beans have boiled, pour them into a strainer and let them drain. While they're draining, I'll start frying the chopped onion.
Make the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about a minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until it becomes transparent.
I add two tablespoons of water to help create steam and prevent the onion from burning, allowing it to soften nicely without frying. I then season it with a teaspoon of sea salt and a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Cook the onion for about two minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens. Then add the boiled green beans to the saucepan.
I add the tomato sauce and season with half a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, a teaspoon of vegetable soup mix (like a dried herb blend or bouillon), and, if using non-flavoured tomato sauce, a teaspoon of oregano and half a teaspoon of dried basil.
Since the sauce was a bit thick, I added 100 ml (¼ can) of hot water and one teaspoon of sugar. I then let it simmer for about four to five minutes, just enough to let the flavours meld.
See how easy that was? And there you have it! My delicious green beans in tomato sauce, ready to be served.
Variations
There are many ways to make this green bean and tomato sauce recipe your own. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add other vegetables: Include diced carrots, potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavour and nutrition.
- Use different types of beans: Try yellow wax beans, purple string beans, or even a mix of different varieties.
- Add greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or chard towards the end of cooking for a boost of vitamins.
Serving
Green beans with tomato sauce are quite versatile! Keeping in mind your Transylvanian and Hungarian influences, green beans in tomato sauce are served as a side dish. This is perfect with roasted meats (chicken, pork, beef), grilled sausages, or fish.
Also you can serve with crusty bread; this is the classic way to enjoy this dish. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
How to Store?
Storing your delicious green beans in tomato sauce properly will ensure you can enjoy its flavours for longer!
Allow the green beans to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and bacterial growth. Transfer the dish to an airtight container or a tightly sealed food storage bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
F.A.Q.
Green beans, while delicious on their own, can be elevated to new heights with the right flavour combinations! Here are some ideas to make your green beans sing:
- Always start with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavours.
- A little bit of fat, like butter or olive oil, adds richness and helps distribute the flavours.
- Onions add sweetness and depth. Sauté them with the green beans or use onion powder.
- Garlic is a classic pairing with green beans. Use fresh cloves, garlic powder, or roasted garlic for a mellower flavour.
It depends on what type of green beans you're using and how you plan to cook them! Here's a breakdown:
- Fresh green beans are typically cooked in boiling water or steamed, so there's no need to drain them before cooking.
- Canned green beans are usually packed in liquid (water or brine) that often contains excess salt and sometimes a starchy texture. Draining helps remove these and gives you more control over the seasoning in your dish.
- Frozen green beans are typically ready to use straight from the bag. They will release some water as they cook, but this is usually accounted for in recipes.
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Related
As you can see, the green beans in tomato sauce recipe are a good idea for a side dish to meat, but if you want something else, try one of the following recipes:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with green beans in tomato sauce:
Green Bean in Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 650 g green beans fresh,
- 1 piece onion yellow, medium-size
- ½ can tomato sauce seasoned with herbs, 200 ml
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt kosher
- 1 teaspoon vegetable mix dried
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon water on onion
- ¼ cup water on green beans
For Boiling the Green Bean
- 2 tablespoon sea salt on boiling water
- 2 l water boiling
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans by snapping off the stems and any strings, then breaking them into smaller pieces. Peel and finely chop the onion.
- In a soup pot, boil two liters of water, to which add two teaspoons of sea salt. When the water boils, add the green beans and cook for about 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about a minute, until it becomes transparent.
- Add two tablespoons of water, season it with a teaspoon of sea salt and a tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook the onion for about two minutes, until it softens.
- Add the boiled green beans to the saucepan, the tomato sauce and season with half a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, a teaspoon of vegetable soup mix.
- Add 100 ml (¼ can) of hot water and one teaspoon of sugar. Let it simmer for about four to five minutes.
- Green beans in tomato sauce are served as a side dish with roasted meats (chicken, pork, beef), grilled sausages, or fish.
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