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Mediterranean Green Beans with Garlic and Tomatoes

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with these vibrant green beans. Tender-crisp beans are braised with sweet tomatoes, pungent garlic, and fresh parsley for an easy and flavorful side dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb green beans trimmed and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 fresh tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Start by washing and trimming the stem ends off your green beans. Wash and chop the fresh tomatoes. Finely dice the shallot and mince the garlic cloves. If using parsley, chop it now. Having all ingredients prepped (mise in place) makes the cooking process smooth.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. In a large braising pot or deep skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
  1. Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and release some of their juices.
Incorporate Green Beans
  1. Add the trimmed green beans to the pot. Toss everything together to coat the beans with the aromatic mixture. Pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the beans.
Braise to Perfection
  1. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beans braise for 20-30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally and check for doneness. The water should mostly evaporate, leaving a rich sauce coating the beans.
Rest and Finish
  1. Once the beans are tender to your liking and the liquid has reduced, turn off the heat. Keep the lid on and let the beans rest for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to absorb any remaining moisture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed. The flavors often meld and improve overnight. For optimal texture, it's recommended to trim the stem ends of the green beans and avoid overcooking.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.