Fasolakia Me Patates: A Simple and Flavourful Vegan Delight
Greek cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple flavours, and the heart of Mediterranean cooking. One dish that captures the essence of these flavours is Fasolakia me Patates, a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying. Known as a ladera dish, this Mediterranean favourite is made with green beans, potatoes, olive oil, and a rich tomato sauce. The vegetables cook until they are tender, soaking up all the wonderful flavours of the sauce, making each bite incredibly delicious.
What is Fasolakia Me Patates?
At its core, Fasolakia me Patates is a simple but delicious dish made from two humble ingredients: green beans (fasolakia) and potatoes (patates). These ingredients are cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and combined with a vibrant tomato sauce that enhances their natural flavours. The olive oil and tomato sauce give the dish a rich and satisfying taste, while the green beans provide freshness, and the potatoes bring heartiness to the meal.
This dish falls under the category of ladera, which refers to Greek meals that are cooked with an abundance of olive oil, often alongside vegetables. These dishes are beloved in Greek cuisine for their rich flavours and the way they highlight the importance of olive oil, a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cooking.
A Fantastic Lenten Meal (and More)
Fasolakia me Patates is a fantastic option for Lenten meals. As it’s made with vegetables and olive oil, it’s perfect for those observing the fasting periods of the Greek Orthodox Church. It’s a fulfilling, meat-free dish that provides plenty of nutrients and energy.
That said, Fasolakia me Patates isn’t just for Lent. It’s a versatile dish that works as a perfect side dish to any protein. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled fish, grilled or schnitzel chicken, or lamb, the dish complements almost any main course, adding depth and flavour to the meal.
How to Serve Fasolakia Me Patates
While Fasolakia me Patates is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with some classic Greek sides. A generous chunk of feta cheese pairs perfectly with this dish. The creamy, salty feta adds a lovely contrast to the savoury, rich olive oil sauce, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavours.
Another classic accompaniment is taramosalata, a creamy dip made from fish roe, olive oil, and lemon. Get my recipe here The tangy and smooth texture of taramosalata complements the dish’s richness and provides a bright burst of flavour. And of course, crusty bread is essential for dipping into the tomato-infused sauce – you’ll want to soak up every last drop!
FASOLAKIA ME PATATES | Braised Green beans with Potatoes
Mary PolitisIngredients
- 500 g green beans top and tailed
- 1 onion sliced
- 5 large potatoes chopped into chunks
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 400 g tomato passata
- 1/2 cup water more if needed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh extra virgin olive oil to drizzle before serving
Instructions
- Begin by sautéing the onion and olive oil over medium heat for approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the potato along with the crushed tomatoes and water. Stir to combine and allow it to simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans along with your seasoning and stir. Recover allowing it to cook for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and green beans are tender (if the potatoes are still uncooked add more water and allow it to continue to simmer).
- Serve and drizzle with extra oil.
Absolutely delicious!
Absolutely delicious! 😋
Thank you so much, Gina! Such a great classic 😍
Love this, I grew up with the love of my mother’s cooking and this one was a staple! Mum did it with lamb chump chops or loin chops, absolutely delicious! Now my children love it 🇬🇷👍🏼
Such a versatile dish, isn’t it! I love it cooked with meat or chicken also. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
Mary xx
Delicious dish, thank you for sharing
Im so happy you love it! x Mary
This is my favorite dish I’ve ever learned to make, thank you !!!!!!!!
yay! You’re so welcome! xx Mary