Green Beans with Ground Meat (Fassoulia)

Green Beans with Ground Meat (Fassoulia)

• 1 lb. ground, lamb, beef or turkey
• 2 Tbsp. oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. crushed dried basil
• 1 tsp. crushed dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 lb. fresh or frozen green beans or Italian pole beans (If using fresh green beans, trim the ends, and cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 3 oz. tomato paste, diluted in 1 cup water or stock

In a nonstick skillet, brown the meat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain any excess fat. Place meat in a bowl and set aside. Using the same skillet, sauté the onions in olive oil until soft and slightly brown. Return the meat to the skillet with the onions. Add salt, pepper, allspice, basil, oregano, and garlic. Cover and cook 10 more minutes.

In a large pot, add the green beans. Pour the canned tomatoes, and the diluted tomato paste over the green beans; stir. Add the meat mixture to the green beans. Mix together. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until beans are tender. Add a little more water or stock, as needed. Serve with rice or bulgur pilaf.

• Yields: 6 servings
• Preparation Time: 90 minutes