Yummy Green Beans with Tomatoes

This simple, flavorful side dish of green beans with tomatoes is a fresh, healthy favorite that highlights seasonal beans (French beans) and ripe tomatoes. Lightly spiced and simmered until tender, it’s a low-cost, quick addition to any family meal—pairs perfectly with rice, roti, or grilled chicken. Bright, juicy, and full of garden taste without heavy oil or complicated steps.

Yummy Green Beans with Tomatoes

Ingredients

  • For 4 to 6 servings as a side, use these everyday market items:
  • 500 grams fresh green beans (French beans), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can 400 grams diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 1 medium onion, finely sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice)
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala (optional for warmth)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup water
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 green chili, slit, or a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness

Direction

  • Cook this tasty dish in these easy steps:
  • Step 1: Wash the green beans thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Heat oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté 4 to 5 minutes until golden and soft.
  • Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  • Step 4: Add chopped tomatoes (and green chili if using). Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and break down into a thick sauce.
  • Step 5: Toss in the green beans and mix well to coat with the tomato mixture. Add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer on low heat 12 to 15 minutes until beans are tender but still bright green (not mushy). Stir once or twice.
  • Step 6: Uncover, sprinkle garam masala if using, and cook 2 more minutes to thicken any remaining liquid. Taste and adjust salt or add a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot as a side or light main with roti or rice.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (about 1 cup, approximate values):

  • Calories: 90 to 120
  • Total Fat: 5 to 7 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 to 1 gram
  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
  • Sodium: 150 to 250 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12 to 15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 4 to 6 grams
  • Sugars: 5 grams (natural from tomatoes)
  • Protein: 3 grams
  • Rich in vitamin C from tomatoes, vitamin K and folate from green beans, plus antioxidants for immunity. Low-calorie, heart-healthy, and high-fiber for digestion and fullness.

Recipes Credit

Inspired by classic desi vegetables recipes like beans with tomatoes (French beans ki sabzi), combined with simple Mediterranean-style simmered green beans. Adapted for everyday desi homes using fresh beans and tomatoes, everyday spices like cumin and turmeric. Draws from family-style vegetable dishes shared in home cooking groups and budget-friendly South Asian meal ideas. Freshly tailored here for yummy, nutritious, everyday sides.