Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of the Middle East! This Fasoolya Khadra (Middle Eastern Green Beans in Tomato Sauce) is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again. Imagine tender green beans swimming in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that's so delicious, you'll be scraping the plate clean and begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle cumin over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to distribute the spice evenly and allow it to bloom and release its warm, earthy fragrance.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
- Add the prepared green beans to the tomato sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the green beans simmer in the tomato sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but still retain a slight bite. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or served with rice or bread.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Green Beans: Select crisp, bright green beans without any blemishes or soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
- Pat Those Beans Dry: After washing, make sure to thoroughly dry the green beans to ensure they sauté and simmer perfectly without becoming watery.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions – those golden edges add depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Bloom Your Spices: When adding cumin, let it sizzle for a moment to release its full aromatic potential before adding other ingredients.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmer the green beans gently to ensure they become tender without losing their structural integrity.
- Taste and Adjust: Don't be afraid to tweak the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.Bonus Tip: This dish is incredibly versatile – serve it as a side, a vegetarian main course, or even as part of a mezze spread for a true Middle Eastern dining experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
