Italian Green Beans In Tomato Sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• This simple side dish of green beans smothered in a thick, rich tomato and garlic sauce goes very well with grilled or pan-fried meats.
• You can make this recipe any time of the year using either fresh or frozen beans and canned tomatoes.
• It is a healthy, family-friendly recipe that is full of flavor.
• And it is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
• These Italian style green beans can be eaten hot, warm, or cold, like our Greek green beans and potatoes in tomato sauce.

Ingredients In This Recipe

The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

Green beans - You can use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. 

For fresh green beans, string the beans, trim the ends and wash them before using. Leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces.

You don't need to trim the ends of frozen green beans because they come trimmed, use either whole or cut pieces.

Olive oil - Use extra virgin olive oil and if you don't have olive oil, use another light flavored oil like vegetable oil.

Onion - use a brown onion for this recipe rather than red onion because red onion will make the dish sweet.

Garlic - you can use two cloves of garlic or ½ - 1 teaspoon garlic paste.

Paprika, chili flakes/red pepper flakes, and bay leaf - give additional flavor to the dish. If you don't like chili leave them out.

Canned tomatoes - we like to use canned tomatoes because they are already cooked and full of flavor.

Diced tomatoes are best for this recipe, but if all you can get are whole canned tomatoes, break them up with a fork before using them.

Sugar (optional) - a pinch of sugar (⅛ teaspoon) will bring out the flavor of the tomatoes.

Fresh parsley will give a nice light earthy flavor to the green beans.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1 - If using fresh beans, trim and sting them, leave them whole, or cut them into bite-sized pieces. 

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, place the fresh (or frozen) beans into the boiling water and cook until just tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, drain well and put aside for later. 

Step 2 - Dice the onions. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onions and cook until soft and slightly brown, this will take about 5 minutes. Add diced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3 - Add paprika, chili flakes, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4 - Pour the diced tomatoes and sugar into the skillet, and simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced. Stir the mixture occasionally to stop it from sticking to the pan.

Step 5 - Season the tomato sauce with salt.

Step 6 - Add the cooked beans and chopped parsley to the tomato mixture, stir to evenly coat the beans in the sauce over low/medium heat for about 1-2 minutes or until the beans are heated.

Step 7 - Remove from the heat, taste for seasoning again, and adjust if necessary. Serve hot or room temperature garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Recipe Tips

Don't overcook the beans because they will be mushy and lose their bright green color. Cook them so that they are still slightly firm and tender to the bite.

Stop the cooking process - once you have cooked the beans to your liking, drain them and rinse them under cold tap water to stop the cooking process and drain well.

Variations

• Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits.
• Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• Cook with chunks of pepperoni for a spicy taste.
• Use fresh basil leaves instead of parsley or use both.

Calories Per Serve

This recipe serves six as a side dish and is about 67 calories per serve.

Serving Suggestions

These green beans in tomato sauce can be served on any occasion, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, casual family gathers at BBQs or picnics.

It works well as a side to grilled, BBQ meats, roast chicken, casseroles, pasta dishes, and stews.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

This dish does not freeze well.

Reheating

Green beans in tomato sauce can be gently reheated in a pot on the stove, add a splash of water if the mixture looks a little dry. It can also reheat in the microwave oven.

More Veggie Recipes

• Cauliflower potato mash
• Creamed corn fritters
• Achar
• Roasted tomato and red pepper soup
• Greek roasted veggies