Fasolakia Yiahnista

Servings 4, Total Time 1 hour

This dish is a classic Greek Cypriot recipe known as Fasolakia Yianhnista, which falls under the "Lathera" category of meals that feature tomatoes and a generous amount of olive oil. It is a popular vegetarian option and one of my personal favorites. 

What makes this dish so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The green beans are braised in a delicious tomato-based sauce made with onions, garlic, and olive oil. Additionally, the tender potatoes contribute a nice creaminess to the dish, while the sweetness of the tomatoes enhances the natural flavors of the green beans.

Ingredients:

• ⅛  cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 

• 1 large yellow onion, diced small, 1/ ½ cups

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 small gold potatoes peeled, cubed into ½ inch pieces, optional

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced small, or 2 cups canned

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, grated, or 2 cups canned

• 1 ½  pounds green beans, cleaned and trimmed

• 2 tbsp tomato paste dissolved in 4 cups of vegetable stock or water 

• ½ teaspoon black pepper  

• 1 tsp Kosher salt or to  taste 

• Pinch of sugar

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, Optional

• Rustic bread

Steps:

1. Heat 1/8 cup of olive oil in a pot with a heavy bottom over medium heat.

2. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes.

3. Add garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take around one minute.

4. Add potatoes and cook for about one minute.

5. Incorporate the grated and regular tomatoes, black pepper, kosher salt, and sugar. Mix and combine all the ingredients with a wooden spoon.

6. Add green beans and cook for about 10 minutes.

7. Add the mixture of tomato paste and water, then bring it to a boil.

8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes until the potatoes and green beans are tender.

9. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

10. Serve the dish in a large shallow bowl and drizzled with olive oil, and top with feta cheese. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Notes:

1. Fasolakia Yiahnista is a one-pot dish that can be made with chicken or pork. One-pot cooking typically requires minimal preparation time, and while the meal simmers on the stovetop or in the oven, you can attend to other tasks. Moreover, cleanup is quick and easy.

2. In Greek cuisine, one-pot dishes are common for several reasons. First, they are cost-effective, allowing you to use less expensive cuts of meat and incorporate more vegetables. Additionally, cooking everything in one pot helps preserve more nutrients, as the cooking liquid often becomes part of the meal, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.