Fassoulakia Me Patates Kai Kreas (String Bean Stew with Potatoes & Beef)



Fassoulakia me Patates Kai Kreas

Green beans can be a bit bland...but thousands of years ago, we Greeks created a wonderful, traditional dish with them: Fassoulakia. It's a healthy stew that's very filling, easy to make, and full of flavors that will bring you right back to the motherland. It's my definition of comfort food.

When I visited Greece last summer, Yiaya Kiki made this meal as a portion of our 'welcoming feast' because she knows it's one of my favorites! I'm always aware that nothing ever tastes as good here in the states as it does in Greece - but I must say with certainty - I make it taste just like Yiayia's would taste in Katerini's (our hometown in Greece) kouzina (if I could only start my own Greek farm)!

There are many variations of how Fassoulakia can be made: with or without meat, potatoes or no potatoes, you get the point. I personally prefer it with beef cubes and use the broth as half of my base. One of the best parts about Fassoulakia is that the taste gets better with time! It's best served with fresh bread and a side of feta for a flavor burst!

So, allow me to spice up your life and introduce you to the stew you'll be sure to love, and cook often! Don't forget to make enough for lunch leftovers...You can thank me later ;)

You Will Need:

2 lbs. of Fresh Green Beans - both ends snapped off, and strings removed

2 Medium Onions - Chopped

1 Bunch of Scallion - Chopped

2 Large Carrots - Peeled and Chopped

4 Garlic Cloves - Minced

4 Potatoes - Peeled and cut into large cubes

2 lbs. of Beef for stewing - I use two packages

1 cup of Fresh Tomato Sauce or 1 - 8 oz. can of Tomato Sauce

1/2 Bunch of Parsley - Chopped

1/2 Bunch of Dill - Chopped

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt, Pepper, Paprika

 

Ingredients Needed


STEP 1: In a medium sauce pot, add olive oil and a quarter of the chopped onions. Allow to saute, then add the cubes of beef. Stir often and add a bit of water - DO NOT SEASON or it will toughen the meat. Cook until needed, approx. 20 minutes, and put to the side.

 

STEP 2: In a large pot, add chopped onions, scallions, carrots, and garlic. Saute until tender.

 

STEP 3: Add green beans, and cover but remember to stir frequently - you don't want them to burn! 

 

STEP 4: After about 20 minutes, add the beef and it's broth, tomato sauce, and potatoes. Add more water if necessary. Season with generous salt, pepper, and paprika and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, turn heat to low and cook until all is tender. Add Parsley and Dill, mix well, and simmer for 5 more minutes. 

 

Serve the Fassoulakia in a large bowl with a FORK...yes - it's eaten with a fork. Don't forget the bread...it will soak up all the delicious zoumi (juice). Enjoy your food coma after!

 

Kali Orexi!

- Sophia Eleni