Fasole Verde cu Mămăligă (Green Bean Stew with Polenta)
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew made with green beans, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, traditionally served with mămăligă (cornmeal porridge). This dish highlights the use of fresh vegetables and simple, wholesome ingredients common in Moldovan home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Green beans(trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced, canned or fresh)
- 500 ml Vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Dill(fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Butter(for mămăligă)
- for serving Sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Do not brown the onions. - 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
- 5
While the stew is simmering, prepare the mămăligă. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Use a whisk for a smoother consistency. - 6
Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mămăligă is thick and creamy.
💡 Tip: Stirring is crucial to prevent sticking. - 7
Stir in the butter and chopped fresh dill and parsley into the mămăligă. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve the green bean stew hot over a generous portion of mămăligă. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of dried thyme or marjoram to the stew.
- ✓If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before dicing.
- ✓Mămăligă can be made firmer by using less water or cooked longer.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of white beans (rinsed and drained) to the stew for extra protein.
- Include other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked pork or chicken pieces to the stew.