Rustic Italian Stewed Green Beans with Pancetta and Herbs

Stewed Green Beans “Contadina” Style

Category: Side Dish
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

To prepare the Stewed Green Beans “Contadina” Style, start by thoroughly washing the green beans and trimming the ends. Set them aside. Next, slice the pancetta into thin strips.

In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven (preferably cast iron), add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pancetta strips and sauté until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

When the pancetta is nearly done cooking, peel the garlic cloves, slice them in half, and remove the germ (the green part in the center). Add the garlic halves to the pan, allowing them to infuse the oil with their fragrance for about a minute.

Once the garlic has softened slightly, add the prepared green beans to the pan. Stir well to combine and let them sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to slightly brown.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Tear the fresh parsley and basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet, infusing the dish with their fresh aroma.

Pour in a ladle of hot water to help create the stewing liquid, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the beans simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more water as the beans cook to maintain a moist texture.

Once the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish alongside your main course, and enjoy the fresh, rustic flavors of this traditional fagiolini in umido alla contadina.

Perfect for any family meal, this dish showcases the simplicity of Italian cooking with its savory pancetta, aromatic herbs, and tender green beans.