Stewed Green Beans Country-Style

Name: Stewed Green Beans Country-Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Green beans 4 cups; Pancetta 3.5 oz; Garlic 2 cloves; Peeled tomatoes 3.3 cups; Parsley 1 tuft; Basil 1 tuft; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

it de fr es br

271

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 271
Carbohydrates g 11.3
of which sugars g 11.3
Protein g 7.3
Fats g 21.9
of which saturated fat g 7.01
Fiber g 6.4
Cholesterol mg 25
Sodium mg 337

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

So here's the thing, this dish, known as stewed green beans or "fagiolini in umido alla contadina" in Central Italy, totally captures the essence of rustic, countryside cooking. Seriously good stuff. These country-style green beans are simmered slowly in a simple tomato sauce, making them so so tender and incredibly flavorful. Fresh basil and parsley add aromatic notes that, for real, fill your kitchen with those classic Italian scents. I mean, you just want to dig right in.

And look, while Southern green beans in the U.S. Might be cooked with bacon or ham, the Italian version? It lets the green beans and ripe tomatoes really, really shine, with herbs giving a light, garden-fresh kick. Honestly, this dish is comforting and moist without being heavy, especially when you serve it up with toasted bread to soak up that sweet tomato sauce. Which is great.

In Central Italy during summer, these country-style green beans often accompany simply grilled meats or fish. Each region has its own twist—sometimes a splash of white wine, an extra clove of garlic, or different herbs depending on what's available in the garden. Pretty much whatever’s fresh. What really makes this stewed green beans dish special is its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Plus, the slow simmering allows the sauce to become rich and tangy, while the beans stay tender but not mushy. And you know what? Some folks even add potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness, turning it into real comfort food that can stand alone as a meal.

There's something super nice about how simple ingredients like green beans, tomatoes, and herbs can come together in such a golden, homey way—really. This homestyle dish is perfect for anyone craving a taste of the Italian countryside right at their table. Whether it's a side or a main course, it's a delicious reminder of uncomplicated, flavorful cooking. And with every bite, you get a little taste of Italy's beautiful countryside, making it a beloved choice for many families looking to enjoy authentic flavors in a simple, yet amazing way.

How to prepare Stewed Green Beans Country-Style

To prepare country-style stewed green beans, first wash the green beans and remove the ends 1, then cut the bacon into strips 2. Heat a saucepan, preferably cast iron or with a thick base, add the bacon 3.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil 4. Sauté the bacon well. Almost at the end of browning, add the peeled garlic, halved and without the sprout 5. After a few moments, just enough time to flavor the oil with garlic, add the green beans cleaned previously 6. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently for a few minutes.

Then add the chopped canned tomatoes 7. Season with salt and flavor the preparation with black pepper 8, add the chopped leaves of parsley and basil 9.

Add a ladle of hot water 10, cover the saucepan with a lid 11, and let cook for about 50 minutes, or until the green beans are tender. Ensure the preparation remains moist, and add a little hot water if necessary. Serve country-style stewed green beans accompanied by toasted bread 12.