Green beans with tomatoes

Green Beans with Tomatoes Recipe - Traditional Romanian Dish

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green beans with tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the tanginess of tomatoes. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.

History

Green beans with tomatoes is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular side dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where fresh vegetables are abundant and often used in cooking.

Ingredients

1.75 lb (750 g) of green beans
1 lb (500 g) of tomatoes
1 onion
3 tbsp of oil
1 tsp of mixed chopped parsley and dill
0.5 tsp of sugar
salt
1 tsp of flour

How to prepare

Clean the beans by washing them and then placing them in hot water. Allow them to boil for a few minutes, then drain them.
In a separate pan, fry the finely chopped onion in oil along with the flour. Gradually add a small amount of the liquid from the boiled beans.
Next, add the tomato sauce made from 1 lb/500 g of tomatoes or the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes. Also add the chopped parsley and dill, sugar, salt, and the well-drained beans.
Allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes, then transfer it to a baking dish and bake until the liquid is reduced.
The dish can be served either hot or cold.

Variations

Add some chopped garlic for extra flavor.
Sprinkle some feta cheese on top before serving.
Mix in some cooked chickpeas for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the green beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- When frying the onion, be careful not to burn it as this can affect the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Green beans with tomatoes can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the green beans before adding them to the tomato sauce to ensure they are cooked through.

- Bake the dish in the oven to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

- Substitute green beans with frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Green beans with tomatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve green beans with tomatoes in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, rice, or crusty bread. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green beans with tomatoes contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a side dish.

Carbohydrates

Green beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. This dish is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into their diet.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake. The oil used for frying the onion adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish.

Proteins

Green beans are a good source of plant-based proteins, making this dish a great option for vegetarians and vegans. The addition of the flour also adds a small amount of protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins A and C. This dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

This dish contains no common allergens, making it a safe option for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Green beans with tomatoes is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and a good source of carbohydrates and proteins. It is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Green beans with tomatoes is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its combination of fresh vegetables and tangy tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Martha. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I had always admired her culinary skills. As I flipped through the pages of her well-worn cookbook, I came across a recipe for green beans with tomatoes that caught my eye.

I had never tried this dish before, but the combination of fresh green beans and ripe tomatoes sounded intriguing. Martha had written notes in the margins of the recipe, sharing her own tips and tricks for making the perfect green beans with tomatoes. I knew I had to give it a try.

I decided to make the dish that very evening for dinner. I gathered all the ingredients - fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a handful of herbs from my garden. As I chopped and sliced, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of the vegetables. I could already tell this was going to be a special dish.

I followed Martha's instructions carefully, sautéing the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. Then I added the green beans and tomatoes, allowing them to simmer together until the flavors melded into a delicious medley. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, a dash of vinegar for acidity, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors - Martha's secret ingredients that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

As I took my first bite of the green beans with tomatoes, I was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The freshness of the green beans, the sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory notes of the onions and garlic - it was a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the green beans with tomatoes countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different herbs and spices, tried using different varieties of tomatoes, and even added a splash of white wine for a touch of elegance. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, it always brings me back to that warm summer day when I first discovered it in Martha's cookbook.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on Martha's culinary legacy to the next generation. My grandchildren have grown to love the dish, asking for it whenever they come to visit. It warms my heart to see them enjoying something that has brought me so much joy over the years.

As I write this story, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting memories. The green beans with tomatoes may seem like a simple dish, but to me, it represents a journey of discovery and a bond with a dear friend. I will always be grateful to Martha for sharing her recipe with me, and for inspiring me to explore the world of cooking with an open heart and a curious mind. And so, I continue to cook and create, always seeking out new recipes and flavors to add to my culinary repertoire.