Fasolia (Assyrian Green Bean Stew)

Fasolia, is a rich, tomatoey bean stew, brimming with large chunks of lamb (or beef), diced tomato, onions, and garlic. In Iraq, Green Bean Stew is served over Vermicelli Rice. However, Fasolia is hearty enough to serve on its own for a lower-carb option. I'll show you how to make this tasty stew over the stovetop and in an Instant Pot.

The Assyrian word for "green beans" is "Fasolia" and it also happens to be the name of this stew. In fact, green beans are called "Fasolia" by most Middle Easterners.

This is a popular dish in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Most of these regions call this dish Fasolia. This includes Ethiopians, Palestinians, Egyptians, Turks, Arabs, and even Greeks!

Why This Recipe Works

In Assyrian homes, stews are served at least a few times a week, if not more. Stews like Bamya (Okra Stew), and Masheh (White Bean Stew) are no-brainers when it comes to preparing a quick and delicious dinner that covers all the food groups.

Various tomato sauce based stews like Fasolia, are usually served over white rice, along with plenty of fresh green herbs, scallions, and pickles. Sometimes bread (known as "Samoon") is torn into pieces and placed in a bowl and the stew is poured over it. This might sound strange to you, but don't knock it until you try it!

Most of these stews are prepared the same and have similar ingredients. The main difference being the vegetable in the stew. Some stew examples include zucchini, okra, potatoes, and peas.

What Goes into This Recipe

Recipe Ingredient And Substitutions

• Green Beans — Use fresh green beans whenever possible, but frozen green beans may also be used.
• Meat — My favorite meat to use is lamb, but beef may be used. Meat with bones gives the stew a richer taste.
• Spices — The cayenne pepper gives this stew a little extra kick. Feel free to leave it out if you're sensitive to heat.
• Oil — The oil you use is a matter of preference. I like to use vegetable oil in my stews but feel free to use olive oil.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Cut rinsed meat into portions and add to a 5-quart Dutch oven. Add 5 cups of water, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 2: While the meat is cooking, trim the ends from green beans, cut them in half, and slice them down the middle. Set aside.

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Step 3: Drain contents of the Dutch oven through a strainer (over a bowl) to collect the broth. Rinse the meat and the pot. 

Step 4: Return the meat back to the pot, along with oil, onion, and paprika. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is sautéed. 

Step 5: Add the green beans, chopped tomato, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Dissolve tomato paste into the reserved hot liquid, and stir in salt, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.

Step 5: Pour the broth mixture over the beans and stir gently. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer, over low heat, for an additional 30 to 40 minutes.

Fasolia Serving Suggestions

Serve over white or vermicelli rice. Another serving option is to serve the stew with bread for dunking or eat as-is for a lower carb option.

How to Make Fasolia in a Pressure Cooker

Set the pressure cooker to "sauté," then add oil and meat. Sautés until the meat is browned.

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Add onion and garlic and sprinkle with paprika while stirring.

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Add green beans and diced tomatoes.

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Mix tomato paste in with four cups of hot water until the tomato paste is dissolved. Stir in the salt and lemon juice. Pour this mixture into the pressure cooker.

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Stir the entire contents of the pot and then lock the lid into place. Place the vent to "seal" and choose "pressure cook." Set the timer to 30 minutes. When the time is up, unseal the pressure valve (quick release) to release the pressure.

Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

• If you're lucky enough to have green beans in your garden, of course, use them. Alternatively, you can use frozen green beans.
• Assyrian stew always includes meat, unless prepared on Wednesdays or Fridays (when many Assyrians abstain from eating meat). Fasolia can also be cooked without meat.
• To make Fasolia in a shorter amount of time try the pressure cooker instructions.

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