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Cooking for Heart Health Month: Greek-style braised string beans

braised strong beans luna grill
Posted at 3:22 PM, Feb 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-20 18:22:25-05

(KGTV) — With February being Heart Health Month, there are plenty of reasons to jump into the Mediterranean Diet.

And many are simple and easy adjusts to your diet. Take Greek-style braised string beans, or Fasolakia Yahni.

OTHER RECIPES: Baba Ganoush

In as little as an hour, you can put together this heart-healthy and hearty dish for the entire family, even after a busy day. Here's how:

Serves four to five

  • 2 lbs Fresh String Beans (look for ones that are bright in color with minimal wrinkling and bruising)
  • ½ cup Olive Oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 3-4 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped OR 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups warm water
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

STEPS: Rinse Green beans, snap off ends and cut in half if desired.

Heat oil in a 6 quart pot at medium heat until shimmering, add onion and continue to stir until onion is tender and slightly translucent but not brown.

Stir in chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp fresh ground pepper and lower the heat and allow it simmer for 5 minutes.

Add warm water, bring to a boil and quickly add the string beans, stir until beans are coated in tomato sauce.

Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 40 minutes or until beans are soft and a thick sauce remains.

Note: Zucchini wedges and tiny potatoes can be added to this dish, approximately 20 minutes after the green beans are added. I like to make this a meal by enjoying it with a nice slice of Feta cheese, and/or a slice of bread.