TRADITIONAL CYPRIOT BEAN STEW – SIMPLE, HEARTY, AND FLAVORFUL
Inspired by a sweet grandmother from Cyprus featured in a culinary traditions documentary, this bean stew captures rustic Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients and comforting simplicity.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 45-50 min
🍰 Yields: 4 servings
🥄 Ingredients
- 300 g fresh whole beans (green beans or fresh shell beans)
- 1 carrot, cut into halved slices
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 small celery stalk, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 120 ml tomato paste (bulion)
- 2 very ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced (or blended)
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
👩🍳 Instructions
- 🍳 Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot until the onion softens.
- 🧄 Add crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring.
- 🍅 Stir in tomato paste, then add peeled diced or blended tomatoes. Mix well.
- 🫘 Add fresh beans and about 4 cups of water. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
- 🔥 Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 40–50 minutes until beans are tender.
- 🌿 About 10 minutes before done, stir in chopped parsley.
- 🍽️ Serve hot or cold drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by red onion slices and fresh bread.
💡 Tips
- Use fresh beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili to taste for mild or spicy stew.
- Peel tomatoes for a smoother sauce, or blend for more body.
🎉 Perfect For
- Light Mediterranean meals
- Summer lunches or dinners
- Vegetarian and vegan diets
📝 Final Thoughts
This Cypriot bean stew is a deliciously simple dish bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and rich tomato flavor. Inspired by tradition, it’s perfect for nourishing, wholesome meals any time of year.