If there’s ever a dish that captures the sun-drenched gardens and homey warmth of the Greek countryside, it’s Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera. Imagine tender green beans and potatoes lovingly simmered in juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and lush olive oil until every bite melts in your mouth. This is simple Mediterranean comfort food at its best, bursting with flavor and vibrant color, perfect for lazy lunches or charming side dishes at any feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera is how a handful of unpretentious ingredients join forces to create a delicious, deeply satisfying meal. Each brings a special touch, from the silky olive oil to the gentle bite of fresh herbs—here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a velvety texture and rich, fruity depth that’s key to the dish.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds natural sweetness and forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
- Green beans: Go for fresh, crisp beans for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after cooking.
- Potatoes (optional): Sliced potatoes add comforting heft and absorb all the beautiful flavors—totally worth adding in.
- Tomatoes: Whether you use grated fresh tomatoes or chopped canned ones, this ingredient brings juicy tang and a subtle sweetness.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley gives the stew a fresh, herbal lift right at the finish line.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly rounded flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all those garden-fresh flavors.
- Fresh pepper: Cracked black pepper offers a gentle heat and earthy aroma.
How to Make Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera
Step 1: Sauté Onion in Olive Oil
Start by heating your olive oil in a medium pot over medium to low heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your chopped onions. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, sweet, and translucent. This is where your house begins to smell amazing, and you’re setting up those deep, rich flavors that make Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Potatoes for Heartiness
Next, scatter your sliced potatoes (if using) into the pot. Let them warm through for about 2–3 minutes. The potatoes start absorbing that fragrant oil and onion base. They’ll help give body to your finished dish and soak up all the delicious stewing juices as the dish cooks.
Step 3: Stir in the Green Beans
Add the fresh green beans to the pot, turning them with a gentle hand to make sure they get slicked with olive oil. Each bean should glisten from the oil—that’s your cue that they’re ready for the tomato bath!
Step 4: Tomato, Herbs, and Seasoning Join the Party
Pour in your chopped or grated tomatoes, shower the beans with chopped parsley, and sprinkle in the optional sugar for sweetness, then season with salt and generous fresh pepper. Give everything a thorough stir. The tomatoes will break down as they cook, creating a saucy, fragrant broth that bathes the veggies in flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Add just enough hot water to the pot so it comes halfway up the beans. Pop a lid on and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook for about 40 minutes. Resist the urge to boil—the secret to perfect Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera is a slow, tender simmer. You’ll know they’re ready when the water has nearly vanished and the beans are lusciously soft.
How to Serve Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera
Garnishes
The final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a shower of crumbly feta cheese gives the dish a bright, tangy finish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving is like the sun coming out, intensifying the color and bringing even more Mediterranean charm.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong serving Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera with thick slices of rustic bread to mop up the tomato-and-olive-oil sauce. Pair it with creamy feta cheese, a simple Greek salad, or roasted meats for a complete meal. It’s versatile enough to be a light main or a cozy side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera into small bowls for mezze, spooning them over fluffy rice or couscous, or even tucking them inside warm pita for a veggie-packed wrap. For a special dinner, serve them family style—let everyone dig in and help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera keeps beautifully in the fridge—just spoon leftovers into an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and mingle as it rests, making your next meal even tastier. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, ready for quick, wholesome meals anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make a double batch, Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera freezes surprisingly well! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll last up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beans slowly in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave smaller portions, but be gentle to keep the texture beautiful. The flavors are just as vibrant the next day—sometimes even better!
FAQs
Can I make Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera with frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. While fresh beans and their natural sweetness are traditional, frozen beans still soak up the rich tomato and olive oil sauce wonderfully.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead for easy entertaining?
Absolutely! Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the entire dish a day in advance, then let it cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.
What if I don’t want to use potatoes?
No worries! The potatoes are optional. Your Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera will be slightly lighter and just as delicious without them—just add a little extra green beans or a handful of carrots if you like.
How can I make the dish more filling for a main meal?
You can serve Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera over rice or toss in some chickpeas for extra protein. Pairing it with whole-grain bread or a side of lentil salad makes it a hearty, balanced meal.
Can I add other herbs for extra flavor?
Definitely! While parsley is traditional, a bit of fresh dill or oregano can layer in extra herbal notes. Just keep it simple so the green beans and tomatoes remain the stars of the show.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself (and your family or friends) the treat of a homey Greek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera night. It’s a recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive, full of fresh, simple flavors and Mediterranean magic. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is absolutely the time to bring this comfort classic into your kitchen!
PrintGreek Green Beans-Fasolakia Lathera Recipe
Tender cooked Greek green beans (fasolakia) with potatoes stewed in a delicious tomato, herb, and olive oil sauce. Velvety smooth beans that melt in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 mains or 4 sides
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Olive Oil:
1/3 cup
Onion:
1, chopped
Green Beans:
1 pound
Potato:
1 medium, sliced (1/4 inch thickness, cut in half) (optional)
Tomatoes:
3 medium, grated or 12-15 ounces chopped
Parsley:
1/4 cup, chopped
Sugar:
1 teaspoon (optional)
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper:
Freshly ground
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft.
- Add Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the green beans to the pot, mixing until coated with olive oil. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add Water: Pour in enough hot water to half-cover the beans.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes, without boiling, until the beans are soft and the liquid has reduced.
- Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, serve warm with bread and feta cheese.
Notes
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with bread and feta cheese for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 273 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
