Experience a burst of flavors with Braised Flat Beans. It embraces a rich tomato sauce, kissed by the essence of olives - a side dish that satisfies cravings.
1 1/2medium yellow onionspeeled and sliced vertically
3large cloves garlicchopped
114-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1poundflat beanstrimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1tablespoonaged balsamic vinegar
2/3cuphalved green olivesabout 10 olives, such as castelvetrano
Salt and pepper
2tablespoonsfeta cheese or goat cheese for servingoptional
Instructions
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet (for which you have a lid) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onions and season generously with salt. Fry the onions until they are turning golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic and canned tomatoes. Fill the empty tomato can halfway up with water and pour it into the pan.
Stir well, then add the flat beans to the pan. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the balsamic vinegar into the sauce. Continue cooking, partially covered, for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the beans are very tender and have lost their squeak.
Fold the olives into the mixture along with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Taste and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Let the dish rest until it has cooled to room temperature. Serve with a crusty baguette and goat cheese, if desired.
Notes
Storage Info:To store Braised Flat Beans, first, let the dish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. When stored properly, it will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While you can freeze it, keep in mind that the texture of the beans may change slightly upon thawing, as they can become a bit softer. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.