Green Beans and Tomatoes

Published Aug. 28, 2024

Green Beans and Tomatoes
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
4(55)
Comments
Read comments

When two vegetables grow together, they more than likely pair well together, and that’s the case here, with green beans and tomatoes. Tomatoes get a small head start in the pan alongside garlic and onion, and a little tempering sweetness from brown sugar. Then, the green beans are added, to cook down even further. Feel free to use over-ripe tomatoes here. They cook down wonderfully in this easy side dish and are a simple way to add more vegetables to your table.

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Ingredients

Yield:8 servings
  • 2pounds green beans, trimmed 
  • 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2garlic cloves, minced
  • 2cups tomatoes, peeled and chopped, juices retained
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ½teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼teaspoon crushed red pepper
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

103 calories; 4 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 11 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 408 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut green beans into thirds on the diagonal. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    In a large skillet over medium-high, heat olive oil. Add onion and a pinch of salt, and cook until tender, 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, another minute.

  3. Step 3

    Add tomatoes with their juices and the brown sugar, and cook until tomatoes are softened, 3 to 5 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add the green beans and just barely cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until beans reach desired tenderness, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    In the pan, toss with Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper and the red pepper. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Drain and serve immediately.

Ratings

4 out of 5
55 user ratings
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Comments

Take out the brown sugar and you will have the Greek dish Fasolakia. A sliced potato goes well in this dish.

When I began cooking for myself, I was frustrated by how long the beans took to become tender in this favorite Greek dish. I began making a deconstructed version by steaming the beans separately & adding them to the well sautéed aromatic’s & tomatoes. (The acid in the tomatoes binds the proteins in the beans increasing the time for them to become tender). Yes, it took more pans, but got dinner on the table faster.

This is a staple in our house, especially now with beans bearing so heavily, But we sometimes incorporate a hot pepper and flavoring is garlic and lemon juice and wouldn't dream of adding sugar. We eat this almost every night in season.

Loved this! Used 1 tbs of sugar. Don’t forget the Cajun seasoning. Especially smoked paprika. Blanched the beans first.

Baharat spices also work great with this recipe if you're out of Cajun seasoning!

I adapted a recipe for wilted lettuce by sauteing the onion in a little bacon fat, adding the green beans, chopped tomatoes and some new potatoes plus leftover crumbled bacon with chicken broth. It takes about an hour of simmering and adding a little more broth, but when tender I added a tablespoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Delicious "pot likker" served in a shallow bowl with some roasted sliced pork tenderloin atop.

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