Stewed Green Beans (Fasolakia)

Beginner Cook - Lengthy Cooking Time - Main Course - Side Dish - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-Free

Vegetables are an important part of the Mediterranean diet and this holds particularly true during the summer months when gardens and farmers markets are bursting with beautiful produce. Although meat is still present, vegetables, fish, and seafood take center stage during this time of year. One such example is stewed green beans. Topped with a generous slice of salty aged feta, these "fasolakia" as they are known in Greece, are considered a main dish rather than a side. Served hot or cold, they make for a wonderfully light and satisfying meal on those hot summer days.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1.5 pounds green beans
• 1 large red onion
• 2 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablepoon dried dill
• 2 teaspoons salt
• water

Time - 1 hour and 40 minutes

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Preparation

• Wash and snap the ends off the green beans
• Peel and dice the onion
• Peel and quarter the potatoes
• Place the green beans, onion, and potatoes in a large pot and fill with water until covered

• Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the pot has reached a boil, reduce to medium heat and simmer for one hour
• After an hour of simmering, add the salt, olive oil, dill, and tomato paste and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the green beans are soft and have developed a slight sweetness
• The water, olive oil, and tomato paste should combine to create a rich tomato broth. If too watery, raise the heat to thicken