Green bean dish

Green bean stew with meat: A tasty and comforting recipe

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Green beans, with their crunchy texture and fresh aroma, are a versatile ingredient, perfect for creating a delicious dish. This green bean stew with meat is not only nutritious but also full of flavor, making it ideal for family lunches or dinners. Additionally, it is easy to adapt and can include various types of meat, making it perfect for every taste.

Recipe history

This green bean stew recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into delicious dishes. Vegetable and meat-based meals have been an old practice, evolving over the years in different culinary cultures. Over time, green beans have become a staple ingredient in many kitchens, appreciated not only for their taste but also for the nutritional benefits they offer.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g green beans (or yellow, fresh or canned)
- 300 g meat (pork, chicken, or beef, as preferred)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste or fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon vegeta (or another preferred spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
- Fresh herbs (parsley and dill), for serving
- Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Preparing the green bean stew with meat

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the green beans, cutting off the ends, and removing the strings. Wash the beans well under a stream of cold water. If you are using canned beans, drain and rinse them lightly.
Chop the onion and bell pepper finely, and grate the carrot. Crush or finely chop the garlic.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the bell pepper and carrot, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables become slightly soft.

3. Cooking the meat:
Add the diced meat to the skillet and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a rich flavor to the dish. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Once the meat is browned, add the green beans to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Adding the liquid:
Pour in hot water, enough to cover the ingredients. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes.

6. Seasoning:
Towards the end of cooking, add the tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, paprika, vegeta, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Finishing the dish:
Once the beans are tender and the meat is well cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill) and mix gently.

Practical tips

- If using fresh beans, make sure they are crunchy and fresh. Yellow beans add a splash of color and sweetness to the dish.
- You can replace the pork with chicken or beef, depending on your preferences. Each variant offers a unique flavor.
- Instead of olive oil, you can use butter for a richer taste.
- For a spicier flavor, add a bit of hot pepper or spicy spices during cooking.

Nutritional benefits

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, being low in calories and high in antioxidants. They contribute to healthy digestion and help maintain weight. The meat provides essential proteins to the body, aiding in muscle mass maintenance. This dish is therefore not only delicious but also nutritious.

Serving suggestions

The green bean stew with meat can be served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. Additionally, a summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers will perfectly complement this dish. You can pair this meal with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade to highlight the flavors.

Possible variations

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with tofu or seitan and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cumin or coriander, to give the dish an exotic touch.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I do if I don’t have fresh green beans?
You can use canned beans, which are already cooked, or frozen beans, which cook quickly and retain nutrients.

2. Can I make this recipe without meat?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use only vegetables, adding extra spices to intensify the flavor.

3. How can I store the dish to reheat later?
The dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet, adding a little water to prevent it from drying out.

4. What is the best way to cut the meat?
Cutting the meat into evenly sized cubes ensures even cooking. Use a sharp knife to make this easier.

This green bean stew with meat is not just a tasty dish but also an excellent way to bring the family together at the table. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love with which it was prepared. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe and experiment with its variations to find the one you like the most!

 Ingredients: 500 g green or yellow beans (you can also use canned) 300 g pork, chicken, or beef 1 onion 1 carrot 1 bell pepper Tomato paste or tomatoes Paprika Vegeta Pepper Greens, parsley, and dill A few cloves of garlic Olive oil

 Tags:  green beans pork food