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 is a classic for a reason. Green beans are slow-cooked with tomatoes 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 a generous amount of 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
- 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. 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.
