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.
I love oven-roasted green beans, but I’d never tried braising flat green beans until recently. Flat beans are perfect for braising; they hold their shape really well and become wonderfully tender. You’ll know they’re finished when they’ve lost their “squeak.” While you can make this recipe with round green beans, if you come across some flat beans, be sure to scoop them up!
Reasons to Love These Beans
- Braised flat beans are a flavor explosion in every bite.
- They have the perfect balance of tenderness and texture.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Simple preparation makes Braised Flat Beans a go-to dish.
- It’s a versatile side that’s ideal for any meal. They also make a great addition to a Tapas Spread.
Recipe Ingredients
- Flat Beans: These beans offer a crisp yet tender texture and a mildly earthy, vegetal taste.
- Yellow Onions: Onions provide a sweet and slightly pungent flavor, while their soft, caramelized texture adds depth and sweetness.
- Garlic: Chopped garlic infuses a robust, aromatic essence into the dish.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes bring a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato flavor. They form the hearty base of the braising liquid and bind all flavors together.
- Green Olives: Green olives (e.g., Castelvetrano) provide a briny, salty contrast. It balances the dish’s flavors with their unique taste and a pleasing, firm texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Bean Variation: Romano beans, also known as Italian flat beans, have a similar shape but are slightly broader and flatter. They offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a tender yet crisp texture.
- Spice it Up: You can create a variation of this dish by incorporating spices like paprika and red pepper flakes. Adding a dash of paprika can infuse a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, while red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat and complexity to the sauce.
- Garnish Options: Elevate the presentation and flavor of your Braised Flat Beans by garnishing the dish with chopped fresh chilli and parsley. The chili adds a subtle heat, while parsley brings a burst of freshness.
How to Make Braised Flat Beans
Step #1: 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.
Step #2: 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.
Step #3: Stir well, then add the flat beans to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step #4: 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.
Step #5: 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.
Step #6: Let the dish rest until it has cooled to room temperature. Serve with a crusty baguette and goat cheese, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Serve at Room Temperature: This dish is best served at room temperature. The beans benefit from a gentle resting period, and the flavors are at their best this way.
- Advance Preparation: Prepare this dish early in the day and let it rest in the pan until dinner enhances its flavors. Leftovers are even better after a night in the fridge and an hour on the counter.
- Test for Bean Tenderness: Periodically taste-test the beans for tenderness. They should lose their squeaky texture and become soft but not mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! You can try Parmesan, Pecorino, or even ricotta for a different cheesy twist.
Of course, omitting olives will result in a milder taste, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious braised bean dish.
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.
More Delicious Recipes That You Will Love
Braised Flat Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - divided
- 1 1/2 medium yellow onions - peeled and sliced vertically
- 3 large cloves garlic - chopped
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound flat beans - trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 2/3 cup halved green olives - about 10 olives, such as castelvetrano
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese or goat cheese for serving - optional
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
Nutrition
So good! The sauce makes the beans so flavorful. Making this again for sure! 🤤
Absolutely delicious. Thank you. 😊
I made this dish with fresh from the garden beans (a generous neighbor with a fantastic green thumb). They were ready to enjoy after 25 minutes. No second simmer.
I used Trader Joe’s Grilled chalkidiki green olives.
Your recipe is a keeper!
Hi Lisa, so glad you loved it. Thanks for sharing your olive choice!