tagAlt.fagiolini alla pugliese

Apulian Green Beans with Tomatoes – A Southern Italian Classic

Celebrate the autumn harvest with a traditional Apulian green bean dish, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and perfect for any meal.
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tagAlt.fagiolini alla pugliese

As October welcomes us with its crisp air, it also brings back into season one of Italy’s most cherished vegetables: green beans (also known as string beans). Their return signals a time of hearty, wholesome dishes in Italian kitchens.

This recipe, inspired by the culinary traditions of Puglia in southern Italy, transforms simple green beans into a vibrant, healthy side dish. With its roots steeped in rural Apulian cuisine, it highlights the region’s love for fresh, seasonal ingredients and minimalism in cooking.

What makes this dish memorable is the classic Mediterranean combination of peeled tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, chili pepper, and fresh parsley, all working together to create a colorful medley of flavors. It’s a celebration of autumn harvests, and its versatility means it can be served as a side for meats or fish, or even as a rustic pasta sauce.

Best enjoyed either warm or chilled, Apulian green beans can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for up to two days, making them perfect for meal prepping. This dish isn’t just good for you – it’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and brings a touch of southern Italian sunshine to your table. Enjoy every bite – buon appetito!

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Puglia-style green beans ingredients

  • Green Beans 500 grams
  • Canned tomato 400 grams
  • Garlic Cloves 1
  • Parsley bunch as needed
  • Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
  • Chilli Pepper as needed
  • Salt as needed

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Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Cleaning and Boiling the Green Beans

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Trim the ends of the green beans, then rinse thoroughly. Add the beans to the boiling water and cook until they reach your preferred texture: leave them a bit crisp for a fresher bite, or let them soften for a more traditional mouthfeel. This step not only preserves their vibrant color but also enhances their natural flavor.

Did you know? In Apulian kitchens, green beans are often boiled al dente to better absorb the tomato sauce later on.

Step

2

Of 3

Simmering the Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add a peeled, lightly crushed clove of garlic and a pinch of chili pepper (either fresh or dried, according to your taste). Allow the aromatics to infuse the oil for about a minute, then add the peeled tomatoes (either canned or fresh, roughly chopped). Sprinkle in a handful of chopped fresh parsley and season with salt.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the flavors meld and the tomatoes break down into a rich, fragrant base.

Tip: For extra depth, some cooks add a splash of white wine as the tomatoes begin to cook.

Step

3

Of 3

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Drain the cooked green beans thoroughly and add them directly to the tomato sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat every bean in the savory sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, and, if desired, a dash of black pepper.

Continue cooking over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully combine and the beans to soak up the aromatic sauce.

Serve your Apulian green beans warm for a comforting side or let them cool to room temperature for a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired salad. Enjoy!

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

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