Greek Green Bean Stew
March 9, 2010 in Uncategorized
(Updated from the archives)
It has been Hot with a capital H for the past few days in Cape Town and surrounds. So hot in fact, that I have avoided my kitchen at all costs, preferring to eat cold fruit directly from the fridge, soak in cold baths and lounge in front of the fan. This morning we woke up to a slight reprieve from the heat. As someone so eloquently stated on Twitter: “Dear Cape Town…after much debate, Hell would like to thank you for returning its weather…have an awesome day now.”
Unfortunately my menu plan for the week did not take the weather into account and so I had a choice between Greek Green Bean Stew or homemade Turkish dumplings last night. *Note to self: check 7 day weather forecast when planning meals.* Needless to say the stew won. I just could not face folding little pieces of dough around mince last night. No sirree, not happening.
Instead, I chopped up some aubergines, greenpepper, beans, tomatoes and onions, threw it in my wok with some olive oil and relaxed on the balcony with the wind (from the fan) in my hair and an ice cold G&T in my hand. Okay it wasn’t a G&T, but soda with triple sec does not sound half as glamorous, does it?
The stew was not heavy at all, but rather like a ratatouille. In fact it’s pretty perfect for the slightly overcast weather today. See I braved the elements so you can have weather appropriate meals. It’s a tough job…**
Greek Green Bean Stew
Serves 4
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 medium onion, cubed
1 green bellpepper,cubed
2 medium aubergine, cubed
300g green beans, topped, tailed & halved
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sugar
salt & pepper, to taste
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
a few capers (optional)1. Sprinkle aubergine with salt and leave to rest in a colander for about 30 minutes. Wipe dry and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, saute the onion, green pepper and garlic in a tablespoon of oil until soft, but not browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and saute the aubergines over medium heat until just cooked.
4. Add the beans, tomatoes and onion & greenpepper mix to the aubergines. Sprinkle with herbs, cinnamon and sugar and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover and let simmer until the beans are tender and the tomatoes have thickened into a sauce.
5. Serve while hot, scattered with feta and capers if using.Nutritional info (per serving): Calories 219.2 Total Fat 9.9 g Saturated Fat 2.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1 g Monounsaturated Fat 5.6 g Cholesterol 8.8 mg Sodium 298.0 mg Potassium 993.8 mg Total Carbohydrate 31.0 g Dietary Fiber 9.2 g Sugars 1.3 g Protein 6.4 g
** Donations for G&T gladly accepted
***PS: Excuse the crappy picture quality – I blame it on bad lighting.
thecreativepot
sharonsmit said on March 9, 2010
Looks like this can go down smoothly with a G&T! lol – you guys have been suffering with the hectic temperatures! Hope Autum sets in soon!!
Zabwan said on March 9, 2010
that looks delicious, and easy too, will definately try it! thanks
tandy.sinclair said on March 9, 2010
an ice cold anything was perfect last night, ours were G&T’s, but tonight might try yours!
sandravdw said on March 9, 2010
That actually looks so yummy…when i read green bean stew…i though…hmmmmm….but i def wanna try this recipe
ninatimm said on March 9, 2010
I love green beans, I could have this cold as well…..lighting issues to be covered at CTFBC!!!
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
You know I was thinking to myself when I took the photo: “After Nina’s talk at the CTFBC I won’t have to worry about this lighting problem anymore!” So definitely looking forward to that. It’s so frustrating to not be able to get a decent photo of a meal to blog about.
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
It’s not your typical green bean stew.
Give it a go, I’m sure you’ll like it.
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
I think I need to go get some G&T’s for tonight. Variety is the spice of life hmm?
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
Thanks iky!
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
Definitely very easy! Hope you enjoy it.
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
Jong, ek hoop ook so!
pinkpolkadot said on March 9, 2010
Wonderful!!….and I love the weather!!
Moonz said on March 9, 2010
O this looks divine… must try it.. thanks for this
And hi.. haven’t met you before.. so good to find you 
I do hope it’s cooler in CT today.
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
Yup – weather definitely better today!
TheCreativePot said on March 9, 2010
Pleased to meet you Dinx! Look forward to seeing you around again.
canda1 said on March 9, 2010
Great Meatless Monday dish!!! xxxx
gigglinggourmet said on March 9, 2010
yuuuuummy!
PuffDaddy said on March 11, 2010
I would serve your yummy ratatouille with a butternut rice 3 cheese risoto on the side.
TheCreativePot said on March 11, 2010
Yup! Didn’t even think of that.
TheCreativePot said on March 11, 2010
Thanks Jenny! Big compliment coming from you.
TheCreativePot said on March 11, 2010
Thanks Elsie.
TheCreativePot said on March 11, 2010
Mmmm, that sounds tasty! I adore risotto.
half-pint said on March 12, 2010
*Sigh* I made your dish last night for Supper. *Curtsies deeply in praise* It was plate-licking delicious! Thank you
TheCreativePot said on March 12, 2010
So glad you liked it half-pint! Comments like yours make my day.
amydem2 said on March 12, 2010
njammie— glad i found you! thanks to half-pint.
sideview said on March 12, 2010
that sounds just great