Arni Me Fasolakia (Greek Lamb Stew with Green Beans and Tomato Sauce)

A hearty Greek lamb stew, full of green beans, with a tasty tomato broth. A superb example of Greek home style cooking.

The stars of Greek stews are the vegetables! Greeks love to feature just one vegetable in a stew.

Susan Tweeton

Ingredients

• 1½–2 pounds lean stew meat, lamb or beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1–2 teaspoons oregano
• Pinch of allspice
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
• 3 cups water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Green beans
  • Cut 2 pounds fresh green beans in 3-inch lengths, or use one large (28 ounce) bag of frozen green bean cuts. 

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in heavy Dutch oven.
2. Add lamb/beef in batches and brown well on all sides; set aside.
3. Add onion to pot and sauté until golden. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Return lamb/beef to pot and add garlic, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth.
5. Bring to simmer and cook for 1–1½ hours until meat is just tender.
6. Add green beans and cook approximately 30 additional minutes until meat and vegetables are completely tender.
7. Adjust seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sweet French bread and/or roasting potatoes.