Sides
Fasolya (Armenian Green Bean Stew)
Ingredients
- - 500g (1.1lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- - 1 onion, finely chopped
- - 2 garlic cloves, minced
- - 3 tbsp sunflower oil
- - 2 tomatoes, grated, or 3 tbsp tomato paste
- - 250ml (1 cup) water
- - 1/2 tsp sugar
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
Method
- Sauté the onion in sunflower oil over medium heat until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the grated tomato or tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly darkened.
- Add the green beans and stir to coat in the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the water, add sugar, salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh dill before serving warm or at room temperature.
Introduction: Fasolya is a slow-cooked green bean and tomato stew found throughout Armenia, typically served as a side to grilled meats or as a light vegetarian main during Lent.
Cultural Background: Fasolya is a slow-cooked green bean and tomato stew found throughout Armenia, typically served as a side to grilled meats or as a light vegetarian main during Lent. It reflects the wider Caucasus and Balkan tradition of long-simmered bean and vegetable dishes, valued for turning simple green beans into something rich and deeply savoury through slow cooking in tomato and onion.
Tips: Cooking the beans low and slow until fully tender, rather than crisp-tender, is key to authentic fasolya texture. This dish tastes even better the next day once the flavours have had time to develop.
Variations: Add diced potato for a heartier version that can stand alone as a light main. Some cooks finish with a drizzle of garlic-infused yogurt for serving.
Storage: Keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition: Per serving (of 4): approx. 150 kcal, 3g protein, 9g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 5g fibre.
FAQs:
Q: Should the green beans be crisp or soft? A: Authentic fasolya is cooked until quite soft and tender, absorbing the tomato sauce fully, rather than kept crisp-tender. Q: Is this dish vegan? A: Yes, as written it is naturally vegan.
A: