Classic Greek Boiled Beans Recipe – A Nutritious Mediterranean Dish

Fasolia Vrasta is a classic Greek boiled beans recipe that brings back wonderful memories for me. I lived in Cyprus for 10 years, and during that time, I fell in love with the island’s simple and flavorful recipes.

This recipe with boiled white beans, potatoes, and carrots, served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and tuna  is a simple and nutritious meal is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, packed with fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Keep reading to learn how to prepare this authentic Greek boiled beans recipe at home!

Ingredients for Boiled Beans Recipe

• 250g (9 oz) dried white beans
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, for serving
• 1 can of tuna (in water or olive oil), drained
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley for serving

Cooking Instructions

• Boil the Beans:
  • Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse.
  • Place them in a pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 40–50 minutes or until tender. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them, then proceed to the next step.
• Boil the Vegetables:
  • In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf. Cook until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
  • Drain and remove the bay leaf.
• Combine & Serve:
  • Place the boiled beans, potatoes, and carrots in a serving dish.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Top with tuna and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Bean Recipe

✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins, this dish is a great addition to a balanced diet.

✅ Simple & Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable, everyday ingredients, it is an easy meal that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills.

✅ Authentic Mediterranean Flavors – Featuring extra virgin olive oil, tender beans, and fresh vegetables, this dish embodies the heart of Greek and Cypriot home cooking.

✅ Versatile & Customizable – Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, as a main dish or side, with or without tuna. You can also add fresh herbs, lemon juice, or feta cheese for extra flavor.

✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Boiled Beans recipe stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.

Serving Suggestions

• With Crusty Bread: Enjoy this dish with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful olive oil.
• Greek Salad: Pair with a classic Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
• Tuna: For extra protein, top the dish with a can of tuna, either in olive oil or water.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the dish’s bright flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy touch.
• Serve Warm or Cold: Boiled Beans recipe can be enjoyed warm straight from the pot or chilled for a refreshing light meal.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Skip the tuna and add extra fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes or green beans for more variety.
• Add Garlic or Onion: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some garlic or onion with the olive oil before adding the beans and vegetables.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some fresh chili or My Special Hot Sauce Adjika for a bit of heat.
• Swap the Beans: While traditional Boiled Beans recipe (Fasolia Vrasta) uses white beans, feel free to substitute with kidney beans, or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor.
• Olives & Capers: For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some green olives or capers.
• Add Grilled Vegetables: For more variety, grill some zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers and add them to the dish.

FAQ

Q1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Fasolia Vrasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors may develop even more after sitting for a while, making it perfect for meal prep!

Q2. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the boiled beans and vegetables (without the tuna). Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw and reheat, then add fresh tuna and olive oil before serving.

Q3. Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned white beans (drained and rinsed) as a shortcut. Just skip the soaking and boiling step, and add them to the boiled vegetables instead.

Q4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Feel free to add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even turnips. You can also include green beans or spinach for added greens.

Q5. Can I skip the tuna? Absolutely! This dish is just as satisfying without the tuna. For a vegan version, you can add extra herbs, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you added.

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