green beans greek recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best green beans greek recipe

I’m so excited to share this green beans Greek recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meal ideas that my family will love. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too.

The combination of tender green beans, crispy feta cheese, and tangy kalamata olives is absolute perfection. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a Greek cookbook at our local library. I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and authenticity of the dish. The original recipe called for a more involved preparation process, but I’ve adapted it to suit my family’s tastes and schedule.

Now, we enjoy this dish as a quick weeknight meal or as part of our Sunday dinner rotation. One of the things I love about this recipe is how well it lends itself to customization. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.

We also like to serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a more substantial meal. And don’t even get me started on the leftovers – this dish is even better the next day! But what really sets this recipe apart is its incredible health benefits.

Green beans are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while the feta cheese provides a rich source of calcium and protein. Plus, the kalamata olives add a burst of healthy fats and fiber. When you pair all these nutritious ingredients together, you get a truly guilt-free meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)

4.6 from 695 votes

A traditional Greek stew of fresh green beans simmered in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs. This slow-cooked dish is tender, flavorful, and often served as a main course with crusty bread or as a side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Green Beans

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large ripe tomatoes, grated (or 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer color)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash the green beans and trim off the stem ends.
2Cut the beans into 2-inch pieces if desired, though whole beans are also traditional.
Set aside.
3Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
5Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Add the grated tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes), water or broth, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill if using.
7Stir in the tomato paste for a deeper color.
8Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
9Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
10Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.
11Stir occasionally and check for tenderness; the beans should be very tender and the sauce thickened.
12If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
13Once the beans are fork-tender and the sauce has reduced to a rich, thick consistency, remove the pot from heat.
14Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
15Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or feta cheese.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Grater (if using fresh tomatoes)
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a more substantial meal, add peeled and diced potatoes along with the beans. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Serve with feta cheese and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia) Works

This green beans Greek recipe is a dish I turn to again and again. It is simple to make and always delivers on taste and texture. I love that I can prep it ahead and it only gets better the next day.

For storing leftovers just put them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will keep for up to four days. To reheat I use a skillet on the stove with a splash of water or extra olive oil to refresh the sauce.

You can also microwave them in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel for about two minutes. This recipe works well for family gatherings because it is easy to double and serves a crowd. I often bring it to potlucks and it is always a hit.

It is a reliable side dish that goes with so many main courses from grilled meats to fish. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)

Q: What type of green beans are best suited for this recipe?

A: For this Greek-inspired dish, you’ll want to use fresh or frozen green beans that are still crisp and tender. Avoid using older or wilted beans, as they can be too soft and mushy.

Q: Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese?

A: While traditional feta cheese is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary.

Q: How do I prevent the green beans from becoming too soggy?

A: To avoid overcooking the green beans, make sure to cook them briefly in boiling water until they’re still crisp but tender. Then, immediately drain them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the green beans and feta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.

Q: What other ingredients can I add to customize this recipe?

A: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced red onion, or crumbled fresh parsley to give this dish an extra layer of flavor.

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