Cookbook: Fasolakia (Green Bean and Tomato Stew)

My mouth began watering for Green Bean and Tomato Stew (Fasolakia) the minute I saw that Anchorage’s Costco had begun carrying two pound bags of green beans. Two pounds is the exact amount needed to make Fasolakia, a recipe in Tastes Like Home: Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska.

Fasolakia is familiar to patrons of old-style restaurants in Greece where customers are invited into the kitchen to choose from the day’s specials. My version is based on the countless bowls of Fasolakia I have enjoyed sitting under shade trees in outdoor restaurants, eating slowly to make it last, sipping wine, and watching the world go by.

The earthy bean flavor in Fasolakia, together with the sweetness of onion, the rich luxurious taste of tomatoes, and the fresh flavors of parsley, mint, and dill makes this an exceptional dish. Sometimes, when I want a heartier stew, I add chunks of peeled potatoes to the pot.

Flavors of Fasolakia: parsley, mint, dill, onions, beans

Fasolakia is a wonderful meal on its own accompanied by a slice of feta cheese and plump olives, or when served as a side dish with roasted chicken or meat. I always have plenty of crusty bread on hand to sop up the herb-filled sauce, and round out the meal with a glass of full-bodied red wine.

I’ve made myself hungry writing this. Luckily, there is leftover Fasolakia in the refrigerator.

Tastes Like Home: Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska can be ordered here.