Description
Fasolakia is a classic Greek dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. This comforting vegetarian recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome family meal, topped with crumbled feta for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 220g green beans, trimmed
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g chopped or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils and Toppings
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp for cooking, 1 tbsp for drizzling)
- 100g crumbled feta, to top (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion finely, and chop the fresh parsley, setting aside most for garnish.
- Sauté the base: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly golden, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Add potatoes: Stir in the chopped potatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the onion and oil.
- Build the sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the chopped or crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the light brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer: Add the trimmed green beans and most of the chopped parsley into the pan. Cover and simmer the mixture on low heat for 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans have softened. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Serve: Transfer the Fasolakia to serving plates. Top each portion with crumbled feta cheese, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture; frozen can be used in a pinch but may be softer.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the feta topping or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The light brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- To speed up cooking, cut potatoes into smaller pieces to ensure they become tender faster.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice for a complete meal.
