Greek Green Beans Braised With Mint and Potatoes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Category: Potato
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 213.8
Description
This recipe for Greek Green Beans Braised with Mint and Potatoes offers a refreshing twist on traditional green beans, thanks to the fragrant touch of fresh mint. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chops, fish, or eggs, or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main when topped with crumbled feta or soft white cheese. This dish is inspired by The Food of Greece by V. Liacouras Chantiles, bringing the essence of Greek cuisine straight to your table. The combination of green beans, tender potatoes, and aromatic mint creates a hearty yet light dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Margarine | 1 tbsp |
| Tomato juice | 1 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Fresh green beans | 1 lb |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp |
| Potatoes (peeled and sliced) | 2 medium |
| Fresh mint (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213.8 kcal |
| Fat | 9.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 210.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.6 g |
| Fiber | 6.6 g |
| Sugar | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 4.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cooking Base
In a large, non-reactive pan, combine the olive oil and margarine. Heat over medium until both are melted and well combined. The total fat used in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal taste, but aim for a balance of 3 tablespoons (2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp margarine). -
Add Tomato Juice and Green Beans
Once the oil and margarine have warmed up, pour in the tomato juice and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the fresh green beans and parsley, followed by enough water to almost cover the beans. This will help create a flavorful base for braising the beans and potatoes. -
Incorporate the Potatoes
Carefully tuck the potato slices into the mixture, arranging them evenly throughout the pan. Partially cover the pan with a lid, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 25 minutes. The potatoes should begin to soften and infuse their flavor into the beans. -
Season and Add Fresh Mint
After 25 minutes of simmering, stir the contents of the pan to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped fresh mint, stirring gently to incorporate. The mint will begin to release its fragrant oils, adding depth and freshness to the dish. -
Continue Braising
Cook the dish uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the green beans and potatoes to become fork-tender. The sauce should also reduce slightly and thicken to a more concentrated consistency. -
Reduce the Sauce (if necessary)
If the sauce has not thickened to your liking, remove it from the pan and pour it into a small saucepan. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it reduces to about one cup. Once thickened, return the sauce to the pan with the green beans and potatoes, stirring to coat. -
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the braised green beans and potatoes to a warm serving dish. Sprinkle with additional fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful main dish.
Additional Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: For a heartier meal, top with crumbled feta cheese or a soft white cheese of your choice.
- Make it Vegan: If you prefer to keep this dish vegan, simply substitute the margarine with additional olive oil.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Keywords: Greek, Green Beans, Mint, Potatoes, Healthy, Low Cholesterol, Savory, Brunch, Low Protein, Vegetable, Inexpensive, European
This Greek-inspired dish offers a delightful and healthy way to enjoy green beans, transforming them into something truly special with the addition of mint and tender potatoes. With minimal preparation and a modest cook time, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and casual weekend meals. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice to complement a wide range of main dishes or to serve as a standalone vegetarian option. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany grilled meats or a lighter meal on its own, this dish is sure to impress.
