This simple and very flavorful vegan recipe for these Italian Style Green Beans with Tomatoes will provide you with the perfect side dish throughout the year.
This simple and very flavorful vegan recipe for these Italian Style Green Beans with Tomatoes will provide you with the perfect side dish throughout the year.
How to Make Green Beans with Tomatoes:
- We need to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, let’s prepare the vegetables.
- Rinse and trim the green beans (1 pound) and set aside. Finely chop one medium onion and 1-2 garlic cloves.
- For the tomatoes, you can use canned or fresh.
- If using canned tomatoes (14 ounces) simply crush them with your fingers, a potato masher or the back of a spoon (like we did for this Classic Marinara Sauce). If using fresh tomatoes (about 1 pound, usually 4-5) they need to be blanched and chopped.
- It’s now time to put everything together in order to make green beans in the tomato sauce!
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the oil (2 tablespoons).
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become translucent. Stir occasionally.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) and the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
- It’s now time to add the chopped tomatoes. Bring the whole mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to obtain a good vigorous simmer. You need to simmer for about ten minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- By this time, that large pot of heavily salted water should be boiling. Cook the string beans for about five minutes; they should still be crisp.
- Drain the water and add them to the stewed tomatoes.
- Simmer, uncovered, until beans become tender but are still firm. Taste to make sure you get the right texture. Be mindful not to overcook as we do not want them to become mushy.
- If the stewed tomatoes mixture appears dry, add a little water. Finally, add the chopped fresh basil (1-2 sprigs) and parsley (1-2 sprigs) during the last few minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Now, wasn’t that easy?
Tips
How to Trim Green Beans: Simply line up all the beans, so that the part that was attached to the plant are placed together. With a sharp knife, simply cut. Note that the bottom of the string bean is a lot more tender and does not need to be removed.
Can I use frozen or canned beans? Yes, cooking times will need to be adjusted. Always rinse the canned beans before using due to high sodium content.
What are the best fresh tomatoes to use? Garden fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes will usually produce the best results.
Post a Comment