Greek Green Beans with Potatoes (Fasolakia)

Greek Green Beans with Potatoes (Fasolakia) is a perfect example of the ‘lathera’ style of cooking that the Greek cuisine is well known for, with its generous use of olive oil. The green beans and potatoes are simmered in a savoury tomato sauce enriched with olive oil, making the dish both simple and delicious. Don’t forget to enjoy it with some crusty bread to soak up the flavourful sauce.

I have to admit, Green Beans with Potatoes was not a dish I particularly looked forward to when I was younger. I didn’t fully appreciate how nutritious my mum’s cooking was. It’s amazing how our tastes and priorities change over time. Nowadays, I make this dish regularly and love how nutritionally satisfying it is, thanks to the abundance of vegetables.

When making this dish, it’s important not to skimp on the olive oil, as it’s a classic example of a lathera dish. Lathera, a type of Greek cuisine, is all about using plenty of olive oil, which creates the rich, deep flavours that define these meals. The term ‘lathera’ comes from the Greek word ‘lathi’, meaning oil, highlighting how essential olive oil is in this cooking style. In the past, I’ve experimented by using less olive oil in these recipes, however, with lathera-style cooking, I found that using more olive oil is essential to creating those rich, delicious flavours.

Some classic examples of lathera dishes are Greek Butter Beans Casserole (Gigantes Plaki), which are giant white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and lots of olive oil; Greek Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice (Yemista), which are stuffed vegetables baked in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce; and Greek Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo), a spinach and rice dish simmered with onions, tomato, dill, lemon, and of course, plenty of olive oil.

Health benefits of long green beans

Long green beans, often known as string beans or snap beans, offer several health benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: Long green beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and keeps your skin healthy. Vitamin K is great for your bones and blood, while folate is essential for cell function and growth.
• High in Fibre: These beans are full of fibre, which help digestion, keeping you full, and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
• Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect your body from damage, potentially lowering your risk of chronic illnesses.
• Support Heart Health: The fibre, potassium, and antioxidants in long green beans can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and keep your heart healthy.
• Improve Bone Health: The vitamin K in long green beans plays a role in maintaining bone density and preventing bone-related issues, such as osteoporosis.
• Support Healthy Vision: Long green beans contain beta-carotene and lutein, which are important for eye health and can help protect against age-related vision problems.

For more information on the health benefits of long green beans, check out this article on WebMD: Health Benefits of Green Beans.

Greek Green Beans with Potatoes (Fasolakia) Ingredients

• Green beans: I usually use green beans, also known as French Green beans, string beans or snap beans. Green Romano (flat beans) also work well in this recipe. 
• Tomato: I use tomato paste and tomato passata. You can substitute for some fresh grated tomatoes or tinned crushed tomatoes if you prefer.
• Potatoes: Choose all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, which hold their shape well when cooked in a stew or sauce.
• Olive oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil, as it’s what makes this ‘lathera’ dish flavourful.  

How to make Greek Green Beans with Potatoes (Fasolakia)

Tips for making Greek Green Beans with Potatoes (Fasolakia)

How to prepare your green beans

• Choose fresh green beans that are firm and crisp. Avoid beans that look wilted or have dark spots. Fresh beans will ensure a better texture and taste in your dish.
• Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a colander for convenience.
• Trim the ends off the beans individually or hold a small bunch of beans in one hand and line up the ends. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut off the stem ends and the opposite ends (if desired). You can also cut the beans in half if you prefer.
• Remove stringy fibres, if any. Older green beans may have tough fibres along the sides. To remove them, cut or snap off the ends and pull off the fibres if needed. Most fresh beans are stringless, but it’s good to check.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. I usually trim the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they’re ready when I make the dish. Additionally, you can peel and quarter the potatoes and keep them in a bowl or container filled with water to prevent browning.

Tips for serving

This dish is perfect with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavourful sauce. It also goes well with feta, olives and Taramosalata. You might also serve it with some Greek Meatballs (Keftedes), if you like.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.