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VEGETARIAN GREEN BEANS IN TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE – LIGHT AND FLAVORFUL

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
VEGETARIAN GREEN BEANS IN TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE – LIGHT AND FLAVORFUL

VEGETARIAN GREEN BEANS IN TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE – LIGHT AND FLAVORFUL

A delicious vegetarian alternative to the pork and green beans dish, featuring fresh green beans simmered with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a lightly tangy tomato sauce. Perfect served warm or at room temperature with rustic bread.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 500 g green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp tomato paste
  • 400 g ripe tomatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and sliced
  • 1 basil stem + 5 basil leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vinegar (red or white wine)
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, black pepper, and chili flakes, to taste
  • 150 ml water

Instructions

  1. Trim green beans, align in bundles, and cut into segments.
  2. Score tomatoes with an X, blanch for 15 seconds, peel, and slice into rounds.
  3. In 2 tbsp olive oil, sauté chopped onion over medium heat until soft (5-10 minutes). Add crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add green beans and toss with onion mixture. Insert basil stem among beans.
  6. Arrange tomato slices on top. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Drizzle remaining olive oil. Pour water along the side to reach halfway up the beans.
  7. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  8. Stir in sugar and vinegar; tomatoes will soften and break up, mixing into the beans.
  9. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes more, until beans are tender.
  10. Remove lid, add chopped basil leaves, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and oil rises to the surface. Adjust salt as needed.
  11. Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh rustic bread.

💡 Tips

  • Blanching tomatoes helps remove skins easily.
  • Simmer gently to preserve bean texture and develop flavors.
  • Basil adds freshness and aromatic depth.
  • Chili flakes give a subtle kick but can be adjusted.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light vegetarian meals
  • Mediterranean-inspired lunches or dinners
  • Rustic, comforting vegetable dishes

📝 Final Thoughts

This vegetarian green bean dish balances tender vegetables with rich tomato and basil flavors. Its simplicity and freshness make it a versatile and satisfying meal for any time of the year.