Cookbook:Fasolia (Ethiopian Green Bean Stew)

Fasolia (Ethiopian Green Bean Stew)
Category	Ethiopian recipes
Difficulty

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Fasolia is an Ethiopian stew, is a delicious and flavorful dish made with tender green beans cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce. This vegetarian stew is a popular choice in Ethiopian cuisine and pairs well with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or rice.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 500 grams (1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife

Procedure

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the berbere spice blend, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the onions and tomatoes with the spices.
5. Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet and stir to combine them with the spice mixture.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices if desired.
8. Remove from heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
10. Serve as a main course, accompanied by injera or rice.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Adjust the spiciness of the stew by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
• For a thicker sauce, you can mash a small portion of the cooked tomatoes and onions using a fork or the back of a spoon.
• Use fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor in the stew.
• To save time, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
• You can add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the fasolia for added flavor and variety.
• Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer and more concentrated tomato flavor.
• Fasolia is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian or vegan diet.