Green Beans Hellinika Recipes

GREEN BEANS HELLINIKA

Steps:

• Clean and de-stem green beans. Leave whole or cut to bite size pieces if you prefer.
• (If you prefer your green beans more on the crispy side, saute the onion and garlic in 2 Tbsp of the olive oil before the next step.).
• Put all ingredients into stock pot. Add only enough water or stock to keep beans from sticking. (I have made these with chicken stock as well).
• Cover and cook until tender, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes.

BRAISED GREEN BEANS/ FASSOULAKIA YAHNI

Steps:

• Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
• Add tomato paste and fresh tomato and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened.
• Add string beans and seasoning and enough water to barely cover.
• Cover and cook until beans are tender.

GREEK GREEN BEANS (SKETA FASSOULA)

Steps:

• Wash and string the beans, but leave them whole.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil until hot.
• Add the onion and saute for about 5 minutes until it is tender, but not brown.
• Add the green beans.
• Cover the skillet.
• Cook for about 15 minutes or until the beans start to wilt.
• Coarsely chop two of the tomatoes (ONLY TWO).
• Add to the pan and cover again.
• Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes have melted into a sauce.
• Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• If necessary add another one or two chopped tomatoes and continue cooking.
• You may need to add extra olive oil also as it contributes to the flavor.
• Cook until the beans are very tender.
• Trust me, crunchy does NOT work with this dish.
• Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature (the way Greeks do).
• If you can find good, creamy feta, crumble a good chunk into the beans before serving.

GREEK BEANS AND GRAINS SOUP (POLYSPORIA)

Steps:

• In large pot, sauté onions, lightly seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, in olive oil.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Beans and Grains mixture, stock, and 1 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, cover, turn down heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender.
• When beans are done, stir in green onion, dill, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Taste and add salt, freshly ground black pepper, dill, or lemon juice, as needed. Garnish with dill and serve immediately.