Green beans stewed

Green beans stewed with carrots and tomato sauce

Discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in a healthy dish. The green beans stewed with carrots is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines fresh and aromatic ingredients. This recipe is a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy a vegetarian dish, but it is also an ideal accompaniment for meat. Let's start the culinary adventure!

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

Your ingredients will be:

- 500 g fresh green beans (or frozen if you can't find fresh)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste (choose a quality paste, preferably without additives)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, but recommended for extra creaminess)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing

History and context of the dish

Green beans are a popular ingredient in many cultures' cuisines, with a long tradition due to their versatility. This simple recipe reminds us of family meals, where seasonal ingredients were transformed into delicious, aromatic dishes. Combining green beans with carrots and tomato sauce is not only a delicious choice but also an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your daily diet.

Step by step: Preparing the stewed green beans

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by washing the green beans well and trimming the ends. If you are using frozen green beans, you can skip this step.
- Peel the carrot and cut it into small cubes. This will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to the dish.
- Chop the onion and red bell pepper into small cubes, and mince the garlic.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
- In a pot, add water and bring the green beans, carrot, and bay leaf to a boil. Let them boil for about 10-15 minutes, until the beans are slightly tender but not completely soft.
- Once boiled, drain the vegetables, but keep the boiling water, as you will use it later.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
- In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. When the oil is hot, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well. This will give the dish a rich and aromatic flavor.

4. The final combination:
- Add the boiled green beans and carrot to the skillet. Mix everything well, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Pour in some of the water you used to boil the vegetables, enough to cover the contents of the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and the minced garlic. The garlic will provide an extra layer of flavor.

5. Finalizing the dish:
- When the dish is nearly ready, add the sour cream and mix well. Let it simmer for a few minutes so that the sour cream integrates perfectly.
- Finally, chop the fresh parsley and add it to the dish for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving and suggestions

The stewed green beans are served warm, alongside steaming polenta and, why not, with a spoonful of sour cream on top for added creaminess. You can also add some toasted bread slices or mashed potatoes as a side dish.

Personal suggestion: If you want to add an extra kick of flavor, you can also add some chili flakes or freshly ground black pepper for a spicy note. Additionally, replace the carrot with zucchini or add some mushrooms for a richer variation.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing a good amount of fiber that aids digestion. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A serving of stewed green beans contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used, making this recipe a suitable choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned green beans?
– Although fresh or frozen green beans offer the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess salt.

2. What else can I add to the recipe?
– You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas. You can also add some pieces of chicken or sausage to turn the dish into a heartier meal.

3. How can I store leftovers?
– The stewed green beans store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water to prevent drying out.

4. What can I pair this dish with?
– This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh seasonal salad or a side of rice. You can also try a glass of dry white wine to complement the meal.

In conclusion, stewed green beans with carrots is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. Try making it and enjoy the moment you sit down to eat, savoring every bite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g green beans, 1 carrot, 1 red bell pepper, 1 onion, 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons sour cream, parsley, salt

 Tags:  green beans