Green bean dish for fasting

Green bean dish for fasting – a simple, healthy, and flavorful recipe that will bring you joy in every plate. This dish is ideal for days when you want to enjoy a light yet filling meal without using animal-derived ingredients. Today's recipe combines green beans with fresh vegetables and spices, offering an explosion of taste and texture.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A brief history of the recipe

Green beans, also known as string beans, have been cultivated for thousands of years and are appreciated not only for their delicate flavor but also for their nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This fasting green bean dish is a perfect example of a meal that blends tradition with health, often served in families during religious fasting periods, as well as on ordinary days due to its simplicity.

Ingredients

- 500 g cooked green beans (from frozen)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 small carrot
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 25 ml oil (olive or sunflower)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (preferably homemade)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable seasoning (or salt, to taste)
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley leaves

Step-by-step preparation

1. Thawing the beans
Remove the green beans from the freezer and let them thaw. If you have time, you can leave them at room temperature for about an hour. This will help ensure that the beans do not become too soft during cooking.

2. Preparing the vegetables
Peel the onion and carrot. Chop the onion finely and dice the carrot into small cubes. Slice the garlic thinly or crush it, according to your preference.

3. Sautéing the vegetables
In a pot, pour the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes transparent and soft. Add the carrot and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding the beans
Once the carrot has softened, add the thawed green beans to the pot. Mix well, then add enough water to cover the ingredients, but not too much, to avoid making the dish too watery.

5. Cooking the dish
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to ensure that the ingredients do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

6. Finishing the dish
When the beans and carrot are cooked, add the garlic and tomato paste. Mix well, add the vegetable seasoning (or salt) and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving
Finally, you can sprinkle fresh dill or chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the green bean dish warm, alongside a slice of whole-grain bread or polenta.

Useful tips and tricks

- Green beans: If using fresh green beans, make sure to wash them well and remove the ends. Boil them for about 5-7 minutes before adding them to the recipe.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell pepper or zucchini, to diversify the flavor. Additionally, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end can add an interesting note.
- Tomato paste: Use homemade tomato paste if you have it, as it will provide a more authentic and richer flavor. If you don't have it, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but make sure it is free of additives.
- Nutrition: Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. This recipe has a caloric content of about 150-200 kcal per serving.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the tomato paste with something else?
Yes, you can use tomato sauce or even tomato puree, depending on your preferences.

- How long does the dish keep in the fridge?
The green bean dish can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

- What other side dishes pair well?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa, which adds protein and a delicious flavor.

Personal notes

This green bean dish reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother prepared it with great love for every Sunday meal. The aroma of garlic and fresh vegetables filled the whole house, and each bite was an explosion of flavors. I recommend you try it and share the joy with your loved ones!

Beverage pairings

To complement this meal, you can serve a glass of mineral water with lemon or a cold herbal tea. These drinks will not only refresh your taste buds but will also add a health boost to your meal.

So, don’t wait any longer! Start cooking this delicious fasting green bean dish and enjoy every healthy and flavorful bite!

 Ingredients: 500g frozen boiled green beans, 2 onions, 1 small carrot, homemade tomato paste (from mom), 25ml oil, Vegeta, pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, optional fresh dill or parsley (I didn't have any)

 Tags:  bean pods