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Green beans in tomato sauce on a small plate.

Italian Green Beans In Tomato Sauce

Harriet
Italian green beans in tomato sauce is a quick, easy, and healthy recipe to make. It goes so well with grilled, and pan-fried meats and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 67 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) green beans fresh or frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 100 grams (3.52 ounces / 1 medium) onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 400 gram (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • ⅛ teaspoon sugar optional
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • salt to taste

Garnish

  • chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • 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. 
  • 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.
  •  Add paprika, chili flakes, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute more.
  • 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.
  • Season the tomato sauce with salt.
  • 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.
  •  Remove from the heat, taste for seasoning again, and adjust if necessary. Serve hot or room temperature garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

TIPS FOR SUCCESS
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 103mgPotassium: 333mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 829IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg
Keyword green beans in tomato sauce recipe
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