Roasted Potatoes with Garlic-Anchovy Green Beans

An inspired improvisation that turned leftover potatoes and frozen green beans into a flavorful, zero-waste meal.

⏰ Prep & Cook Time: 35 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the potatoes:

2 medium-large potatoes (preferably cooked in their skins, leftover or fresh)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the green beans:

150 g green beans (frozen or fresh)
1 anchovy fillet in oil
2 small garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 tsp chili flakes
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the potatoes:
If not already cooked, boil or roast potatoes in their skins until tender. Let them cool. Cut each potato in half and gently flatten each half with the bottom of a glass — they may crack a little, but don’t press too hard to avoid them breaking apart.
Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) until golden and crispy on top (about 25 minutes). Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Prepare the green beans:
Boil the green beans in salted water until tender but still slightly crisp (about 5 minutes). Drain well.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add the crushed garlic, chili flakes, and anchovy pieces. Sauté briefly (about 1 minute) until the anchovy dissolves into the oil, releasing its flavor.
Add the green beans, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes so the beans absorb the flavorful oil. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Serve:
Plate the roasted potatoes and top them with the garlic-anchovy green beans. Serve immediately.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this simple, rustic dish as a light lunch or as a side alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even a fresh green salad.

📝 Final Thoughts

This recipe is a testament to creative cooking under imperfect conditions—turning leftovers into something delicious without waste. The salty anchovy and zesty lemon brighten the sweet earthiness of roasted potatoes and green beans, creating a balanced, flavorful meal with minimal effort.