Mediterranean Green Beans in Spiced Tomato Sauce
This delightful dish hails from my beloved mother-in-law, who has a remarkable talent for transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. The vibrant green beans are simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce, infused with the warm spices of cumin and paprika, creating a hearty and satisfying side. Served alongside baked chicken and fragrant white rice, this dish brings a taste of Egypt to your table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1 lb (trimmed & rinsed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
small onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
tomato sauce
3 ounces
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
paprika
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
oregano
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh parsley
4 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill the kitchen.
3
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and increase the heat to high. Quickly stir-fry for about 1 minute to slightly blister the beans.
4
Pour in the tomato sauce and add enough water to almost cover the beans. Stir everything together to combine.
5
Add the chopped parsley, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the seasoning.
6
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let the beans simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
If the sauce appears too watery after simmering, uncover the pot and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to thicken. You should have about 1/3 to 1/2 the amount of liquid you started with.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Green Beans in Spiced Tomato Sauce?
This dish is a traditional Egyptian-style vegetable side where fresh green beans are simmered in a fragrant, spiced tomato sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe brings a taste of Egypt to your table, originating from a family recipe shared by the author's mother-in-law.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from tomato sauce, water, olive oil, garlic, onion, and a blend of spices including cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
How should I prepare the green beans?
You should use 1 lb of fresh green beans that have been trimmed and rinsed.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes over medium heat until it is translucent and tender.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are tender and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Why are the green beans stir-fried on high heat?
The beans are stir-fried briefly on high heat to slightly blister them before simmering.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of tomato sauce.
Do I need to add water to the beans?
Yes, you should add enough water to almost cover the beans after adding the tomato sauce.
What spices are used in this Egyptian dish?
The spices include cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1/4 teaspoon) is added to help balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
The beans should simmer covered for approximately 25 minutes on medium heat.
What should I do if the sauce is too watery?
If the sauce is too watery, uncover the pot and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to thicken it.
What is the ideal final consistency of the sauce?
The sauce should reduce until you have about 1/3 to 1/2 of the liquid you started with.
What are the best side dishes for these green beans?
This dish is traditionally served with baked chicken and fragrant white rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is primarily fragrant and savory.
What kind of fresh herbs are used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetable-based dish featuring fresh ingredients and heart-healthy olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are entirely plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 3-quart saucepan is the recommended size for this recipe.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh beans for the best texture, frozen beans can be used if fresh are unavailable.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small onion, diced.
What is the role of cumin in this dish?
Cumin provides the warm, earthy Mediterranean flavor profile that defines the dish.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
Is this dish suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a comforting weeknight dinner that is relatively simple to prepare.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The main flavor profiles are Mediterranean and Egyptian, featuring tomato, garlic, and warm spices.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetable dish, Egyptian cuisine, healthy side, and Mediterranean flavors.