Hi! It’s Marie. When you think of a satisfying side dish, you might not immediately think of green beans. But in many Mediterranean kitchens, this combination of green beans and tomatoes is a classic for a reason. They’re slow-cooked together until they become incredibly tender and flavorful, soaking up all the richness of a simple tomato sauce. This is a cozy, comforting, and hearty side that will surprise you with just how delicious it is.
This recipe is also a perfect example of a “lathera” dish a Greek cooking style where vegetables are braised slowly in olive oil, herbs, and a tomato sauce. This process makes the vegetables velvety-soft and allows the flavors to deepen and meld, creating a dish that’s even better the next day.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
- Hearty and Satisfying: Unlike a simple sauté, this method creates a richer, more substantial side dish that can even double as a light main course.
- Minimal Effort: Once you get the ingredients in the pot, the dish largely cooks itself. It’s a fantastic hands-off option for a busy weeknight.
- Simple, Pure Flavor: The dish relies on the natural goodness of fresh vegetables, enhanced by olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30-45 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Green Beans and Tomatoes: Add the trimmed green beans, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), water or broth, and oregano (if using). Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. The green beans should become very tender, and the sauce will have thickened.
- Season and Serve: Uncover the pot and let any remaining liquid reduce if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to taste. Serve warm, with a drizzle of fresh olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.
Marie’s Pro-Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush It: The secret to this dish is time. The long, slow simmer is what makes the green beans melt-in-your-mouth tender and allows the flavors to truly develop.
- Fresh or Frozen: You can easily use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones. Just add them directly from the freezer.
- Add-Ins: For a heartier meal, you can add diced potatoes or chickpeas in step 2. You can also finish the dish with some crumbled feta cheese on top.
