Greek Green Beans ( Fasolakia Lathera)

Greek green beans (that is to say, Fasolakia Lathera) is a classic Greek dish made with fresh summer green beans braised in extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It is rich in flavor and nutrients and can be served as a main course or as an accompaniment to your favorite meat or fish starter. If you like, you can add potatoes here too for a heartier meal. For those of you who are health conscious, you’ll be happy to know that this dish is gluten-free and vegetarian (or vegan without the feta cheese).

Other super popular Greek recipes on this blog that can be paired for a complete vegetarian meal, with feta, are Greek Spinach Rice with Feta (Spanakorizo) or Greek Lentil Soup (false). Scroll down for more Greek recipe ideas.

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive commissions for purchases made through affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy HERE.

What is Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

As I write this post, we are at the end of summer. This means an abundance of green beans and tomatoes are harvested from your gardens or sold at the local farmers market. If you are like me and love green beans, tomatoes, and olive oil, then you will definitely love this Greek Fasolakia recipe.

When I picked up the fresher beans and riper tomatoes from my garden the other day, I immediately knew I was going to prepare Fasolakia Lathera. You might wonder what that literally means. “Lathera” is actually the Greek style of cooking vegetables in olive oil. The literal translation is “those with oil”. Simply put, this means cooking vegetables in lots of olive oil.

People in Greece use this method to cook many different varieties of vegetables throughout the year. But when summer arrives, with all the beautiful green beans, this dish often reappears on the tables.

And when I say cook your vegetables in oil, I’m not suggesting a spoonful. The vegetables are actually braised in oil. You’ll need a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil for every half pound of beans (don’t be shy here, you can even use more).

You will also need fresh tomatoes for this dish. You could use canned ones, but if you want the real summer deal, then I’d suggest getting the juiciest tomatoes: chop them up and let the beans braise in the oil. The result is simply exceptional!

In addition to the sure goodness of this dish, this Fasolakia is also super healthy. I am currently reading the book “Eat to Beat Disease” by Dr. Li, which talks a lot about tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and beans. For me it’s a victory.

What ingredients are needed to prepare Greek green beans

For the exact list of ingredients and measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card.

The beauty of Greek dishes is often their simplicity. You just need some ingredients to create something extraordinary, full of flavor and nutrients.

Here’s yours shopping list:

• Fresh green beans;
• Fresh, juicy summer tomatoes (steak or heirloom or over wine);
• Onions (Vidalia, Spanish or red);
• Potatoes – these are optional if you want to create a heartier version;
• Garlic;
• Extra virgin olive oil;
• Greek dried oregano;
• Spices: salt, pepper and optionally sugar;
• Tomato paste – if your tomatoes are not as flavorful as you would like and you want to intensify the flavor of the tomato;
• Finally, feta, fresh parsley and lemon juice to serve.

How to prepare Fasolakia

For exact instructions and nutritional information, scroll down to a printable recipe card.

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables: peel and chop the onions; peel and mince or squeeze the garlic; wash and clean the green beans; peel the potatoes and cut them into squares; grate your tomatoes on a grater with large holes.

Step 2: In a large pot, such as a Dutch oven (with lid), heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; add the onions and cook for a few minutes, until they become translucent; add oregano, garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add another 1/4 cup olive oil; your beans, potatoes and tomatoes; 1 cup of water; 1 teaspoon each of salt and sugar; and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (you will adjust the seasoning once the dish is fully cooked).

Step 4: Cover and cook “low and slow” for about an hour, until all the vegetables are soft (stirring occasionally).

Step 5: Check the seasoning; add lemon juice and the final 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and mix gently.

Step 6: Place Fasolkia in a serving bowl and top with feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with a slice of pita bread or any crusty bread, to soak up all the sauce.

How to Serve Greek Fasolakia Green Beans

As mentioned above, Fasolakia can be served as a main course with feta cheese and bread (pita bread or your favorite crusty bread). If you go this route, you can serve it with your favorite salad. I would suggest:

Or it can also be served as a side to one of your favorites meat or fish dishes.

If that’s more your speed, here are a couple of suggestions from me:

Finally, if you want to serve this dish simply as a vegan meal, so skip the feta and enjoy!

More Greek recipes to try

Read about author Edyta here or follow Eating European on social media: FacebookInstagram, PinterestAND Twitter.