Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia Ladera) are one of the most common traditional ‘Ladera’ or ‘Lathera’ dishes. Fresh crisp juicy Fasolakia cooked in juicy tomatoes, sauteed with onions and garlic is the perfect vegetarian (and vegan) Greek dish.
What are Ladera dishes?
The word ladera originates from the word ‘ladi’ or ‘lathi’ which in Greek is oil. Ladera dishes are dishes cooked in oil. They consist of a group of vegetarian and vegan dishes containing vegetables cooked in tomato, garlic, onion and oil. Don’t forget to check out my briam and Vegan Imam Bayildi recipe which I’m sure you will also love.
Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia) is a simple yet flavoursome vegan (and vegetarian) dish ready in no time. The secret to this Fasolakia recipe lays on the simplicity of its ingredients. Fresh green beans, combined with fresh tomatoes cooked in extra virgin olive oil with onions and garlic.
This authentic, traditional recipe is best when prepared with fresh beans. These are rich in vitamins (A, C,K) and nutrients (iron, calcium, folate). These do remain even after cooking!
Can I make them with frozen beans?
Yes you can! While nothing beats the juiciness, crispiness of fresh green beans in this simple Greek dish, fresh produce from your garden or your local farmer’s market can only remain fresh for so long! Thus, you can, indeed, prepare this traditional flavoursome dish with frozen green beans. As frozen green beans are frozen immediately, they retain their vitamins and nutrients much better than fresh ones, especially over longer periods of time.
When preparing this flavoursome vegan dish with frozen green beans, remember to add less water in the pot as the frozen vegetables will thaw and introduce water into the pot.
How to serve this Greek green beans (Fasolakia Ladera)?
I love serving my Greek green beans (Fasolakia) as a main or side dish and taste their best when warm. Garnish them with Feta cheese and serve them with lots of bread to mop up those wonderful juices.
