Imagine a dish that captures the heart and soul of Greek home cooking - a vibrant, comforting meal that tells a story of tradition, simplicity, and incredible flavor. "Φασολάκια λαδερά με πατάτες" (Green Beans with Potatoes) is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that brings the warmth of a Greek grandmother's kitchen directly to your dining table. Packed with fresh ingredients, dripping with golden olive oil, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this vegetarian delight promises to revolutionize your home cooking and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched islands of Greece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g green beans
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut them into approximately 2-inch pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can make it taste bitter.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them with the olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the potatoes and onions. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in enough water to barely cover the vegetables, about 1 cup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer the vegetables for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked but still retain a slight crispness.
- If needed, remove the lid and increase heat to allow any excess liquid to evaporate, creating a slightly thickened sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.
- Serve hot as a main vegetarian dish or as a side dish, traditionally accompanied by feta cheese and crusty bread.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select young, tender green beans and waxy potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic to build a deep flavor foundation.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Authentic Greek cooking relies on excellent olive oil - it makes a significant difference in taste.
- Watch Your Liquid: Add just enough water to barely cover the vegetables, ensuring a rich, concentrated sauce.
- Preserve the Vegetable Texture: Cook until potatoes are tender but green beans still have a slight bite.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crumbled feta cheese, crusty bread, and a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, as flavors continue to meld and develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 209kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
