TURKISH-STYLE BRAISED GREEN BEANS

Turkish-Style Braised Green Beans image

In this Turkish method, vegetables (and sometimes beans) are cooked in plenty of olive oil - usually with tomatoes, onions and one or two other ingredients - until they have almost lost their shape. Then they are cooled and served at room temperature, when their flavors are at their fullest. Very often an herb or citrus juice is added just before serving for a little spark; thick yogurt and lemon wedges are standard accompaniments. It's probably obvious that these dishes are pretty much ideal for warm-weather meals. They not only can be made in advance, but also must be, so they can cool down. Even a day or two ahead is fine; just take them out of the refrigerator about 45 minutes before serving.

Provided by John Willoughby

Time 1h

Yield 4 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut in half widthwise
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
1/4 cup roughly chopped mint
Thick yogurt, for serving
Lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

In a large sauté pan or heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the onions and stir occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes.
Add the beans, tomatoes, 1 cup water, sugar, salt and pepper and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer until the beans are very tender, about 45 minutes.
Remove from heat, adjust the seasoning to taste and cool to room temperature, uncovered, about 45 minutes. Stir in the mint and serve, with thick yogurt and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 266, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 596 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams