Italian Green Beans

What’s for dinner tonight?

If you’re like me, you’re always on the look out for something that is both healthy and (of course) delicious.
Now, when it comes to cooking vegetables, I can tell you, simple is generally the best way to go. I find, theres nothing better than letting the fresh taste and beauty of quality produce shine through a dish, and I haven’t tasted fresher vegetables cooked simply and full of flavour than when I was in Greece and Italy.

I still remember walking the streets of Catania, Sicily, and coming across a little Piaggio Ape filled to the brim with fruit and vegetables picked that morning.
The smell of the fresh tomatoes and the crisp texture of the green beans still have me salivating at the memory.
So this humble recipe is an ode to fresh produce, and the beauty of well farmed and delicately cooked vegetables.

If I haven’t convinced you with my stories yet, why not try these Italian inspired green beans for yourself? I’d love to hear from you and know how you transform simple produce into tasty treats!

ITALIAN GREEN BEANS
Ingredients:
1 onion, finely diced
1 tbsp oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 large Adelaide tomatoes (or any large heirloom tomato)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp good quality balsamic vinegar
500g green beans

Method:
1. Simply sauté one onion in a little oil. Once transparent add 1 clove of finely minced garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile grate 2 large Adelaide tomatoes 🍅 and then add them to the onion and garlic mixture. Continue cooking on a low heat for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, add 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp good quality balsamic vinegar. Season well.
3. Add 500g green beans to the sauce and 2 tbsp water, cover the pan with a lid and let simmer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, place the beans in a large bowl and coat liberally in the rich tomato mixture.

This recipe is best served with large slices of fresh bread that you can dunk into the rich tomatoey stew, mopping up all the tasty goodness and leaving nothing to waste!
Mangia!