Don't be confused by the name "Italian cut." This type of bean is very common in Greece. You will most likely find these in Greece, rather than the string green beans.
Since Lent has begun for both the Catholic and the Orthodox Church, it is common for believers to give up certain foods this time of the year. Greek Orthodox though have a more strict Lent practice than Catholics. Catholics can have fish on Friday where Greek Orthodox on the other hand, has a stricter fast. During Lent, fish, meat, poultry, and even dairy are not permitted (unless someone has specific diet needs and is instructed by his/her doctor. In that situation the priest forgives or rather allows the individual to eat what his diet needs are).
Every year, while I was growing up, I watched my mother follow a very ascetic fast for 40 days prior to our Greek Orthodox Easter. She tried to make dishes that were rich in flavor but without the meat. The green beans in tomato sauce are very rich in flavor. The use of flat leaf parsley gives it a savory and aromatic taste without the bitterness the curly leaf parsley has. The flat leaf is very common in Greece, whereas the curly leaf is not quite popular there.
You can find flat leaf parsley in any supermarket or fresh produce market. It is usually called Italian flat leaf parsley. This dish is great if you want to abstain from meat one day a week; for those who want to give up meat products for Lent, and for strict vegetarians. Serve it along with some fresh crusty Italian bread and you have yourself a healthy meal.
Italian cut green
beans in tomato sauce
Six (6) servings
½ cup olive oil
½ cup diced onion (1
medium sized onion)
2 tsp chopped garlic
(about 2 cloves)
2 12oz bags frozen Italian
cut green beans
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 15oz can water
½ cup chopped parsley
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper
In a Dutch oven sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil till transparent. Add the frozen green beans along with the
diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the
one can of water. Add the chopped
parsley, salt and pepper. Stir all the
ingredients together. Let it come to a
boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 45 minutes to one (1) hour until the
beans are tender. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Facts
Serving Size 12.007oz(340.4g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 224
Calories from Fat 166 % Daily Value*
Total Fat 18.4g 28%
Saturated Fat 2.6g 13%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 580mg 24%
Total Carbohydrates 14.7g 5%
Dietary Fiber 5.5g 22%
Sugars 6.6g
Protein 3.6g
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