Tsaoulia: Oily Green Beans Stew

Tsaoulia, a traditional dish hailing from the Mediterranean regions, particularly enjoyed in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables. This delightful oily green beans stew showcases the star ingredient, green beans, often found in local markets, alongside tender potatoes and zucchini. The dish is not only a nourishing staple but also a reflection of the agricultural bounty of the region, emphasizing the importance of seasonal produce. The combination of sautéed onions, aromatic garlic, and juicy tomatoes creates a rich base, while olive oil adds a luxurious finish, making it a perfect accompaniment to crusty bread or served as a main vegetarian dish. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, Tsaoulia brings families together, often served during communal meals or festive gatherings, embodying the essence of togetherness and celebration.

Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

45min

Wait

5min

Total

1h 5min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)

Vegetables

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced
  • 4 medium tomatoes, grated
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3-4 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into quarters

Oils & Seasoning

  • 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 8
  • Protein: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Fiber: 4
Directions

Preparation

  • 1. In a large pot, heat 150 ml (5 fl oz) of olive oil over medium heat.

Sautéing the Vegetables

  • 2. Add the green beans and chopped onions, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until they soften slightly without browning.

Flavor Development

  • 3. Introduce the sliced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Creating the Base

  • 4. Mix in the grated tomatoes and just enough water to cover the ingredients.

Seasoning

  • 5. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then bring to a boil.

Simmering

  • 6. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Adding More Vegetables

  • 7. Stir in the cubed potatoes and zucchini, cooking for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the dish has absorbed most of the oil.

Final Adjustments

  • 8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary, then add the remaining olive oil.

Serving

  • 9. Gently shake the pot to combine, remove from heat, and allow to cool to lukewarm before serving.
Cookix's Secrets

Cooking Method

  • Try roasting the vegetables for a different flavor profile.

Herbal Enhancements

  • Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for added freshness.

Protein Additions

  • Add chickpeas for a protein boost, making the dish heartier.

Serving Suggestion

  • Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful oil.

Spicy Twist

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

  • This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, as the flavors deepen over time.