If you’re like us, you’re always looking for a special side dish that is a twist on a classic. Well, here you go.
There is just everything to love about this deeply flavorful side dish. The fresh beans are braised until they are tender and infused with warming spice. The dish is gorgeous and is perfect for any holiday feast. Or, just an easy meal at home! And it comes together very quickly!
How To Make Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes
When you see how easy this dish is to prepare, you’ll want to run out and get the ingredients immediately.
And you can prepare the dish (up to braising) well in advance of serving.
One word of warning: Be prepared for folks asking for the recipe. It’s always a crowd favorite.
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How To Cook Green Beans
Fresh green beans are loaded with farm fresh flavor and are loaded with health benefits.
But you may be wondering: “how do you keep green beans from being rubbery?”
That’s easy! Braising is the key to soft, tender, flavorful green beans.
EXPERT TIP: When purchasing fresh green beans, make sure they are bright green and not brown in spots and beginning to shrivel. If they have stems at the end of them, simply clip them off. If you prefer short green beans (like what you get in a can), just slice the beans in half with your knife.
What Can I Add to Green Beans for Flavor?
This is where we are going to transform the everyday green bean into a dish that is layered with warming flavors.
Once the green beans have begun to soften, you’re going to add the following seasonings:
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cumin
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
EXPERT TIP: The addition of diced tomatoes will add even more flavor and will serve as the perfect ingredient to braise the seasoned beans. A final splash of red wine vinegar brings it all together. You’ll want to make sure you start with a large skillet (or Dutch oven) with a lid for the braising process.
When and How To Serve Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes
This has become a staple side dish for our Easter table. It really is the perfect accompaniment to our Slow-Cooker Spiral Ham or Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham.
Other classic holiday dishes:
- Carrot Ginger Soup
- Potatoes Dauphinoise (French au Gratin)
- Corn Casserole
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Balsamic
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Coconut Cream Cake
EXPERT TIP: For added flavor and a little crunch, we like to sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the beans. For even more flavor, you could toast them, but keep an eye on them, they burn easily!
If you’re looking for a new twist on a classic side dish, this is one you’ll want to try.
The flavors aren’t exotic, but just comforting, tender, and so delicious.
Always a favorite at the table. And it’s ideal for holiday feasts or just an easy weeknight dinner at home. Perfect in every way!
Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes
Video
Equipment
- 1 12-inch saucepan (or Dutch oven) with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
- 1½ lbs green beans fresh, ends trimmed
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with their juice
- 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup almonds sliced, toasted, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Over medium heat, in a large skillet (with lid) or a Dutch oven, warm the olive oil.
- Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the green beans and stir them to coat with the spices.
- Cook, stirring often, until beans are barely tender, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until beans are very tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with almond slices/slivers (if using).
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in April 2014, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in April 2022!
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