Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans in Tomato/Oil) / Loubieh bi Zeit (Lebanese Green Beans in Tomato/Oil)

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly crisp texture.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic and pungent notes.

Tomatoes: Use chopped or canned for a rich, tangy base.

Olive oil: A key ingredient that adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

Water: Helps to cook the beans and create a thickened sauce.

When preparing green beans for this dish, consider blanching them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the pot. This technique helps to preserve their vibrant green color and can slightly reduce the overall cooking time. After blanching, immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step ensures that the beans remain tender-crisp and visually appealing in the final dish.

• trimmed green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative.

• trimmed green beans - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas have a slightly sweet flavor and a similar crunch, providing a different but enjoyable texture.

• large chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.

• large chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a subtle onion flavor and can add a unique twist to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less intense than fresh garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and a bit of sweetness.

• chopped or canned tomatoes - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste is more concentrated, so use less and dilute with water to achieve a similar consistency.

• chopped or canned tomatoes - Substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness and a fresh flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that won't overpower the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a versatile alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different taste profile.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and a more nuanced flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and a different flavor profile, though use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add more depth of flavor to the dish.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a richer flavor, though it will make the dish non-vegetarian.

• Allow the fasolakia lathera to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled green beans and tomato sauce into an airtight container. Glass containers are preferable as they do not absorb odors and are easy to clean.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the fasolakia lathera in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the green beans.
• Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
• If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
• Adjust the seasoning if needed, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors. A pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper can revive the dish.
• Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Mediterranean dish.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover Fasolakia Lathera or Loubieh bi Zeit in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the leftovers to your slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat and cover.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a steamer basket over boiling water.
  2. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a vacuum-sealed bag or ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.

• Large pot: Used to cook the green beans and other ingredients together.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and pepper.

• Can opener: Needed if you are using canned tomatoes.

• Serving spoon: Useful for serving the finished dish.

Use pre-trimmed beans: Save time by buying pre-trimmed green beans from the store.

Chop ahead: Chop the onion and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge.

Canned tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes instead of fresh to cut down on prep time.

One-pot cooking: Use a large pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Simmering shortcut: Use a pressure cooker to reduce the simmering time significantly.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick future meals.