It’s been incredibly hot recently. We’ve already gone through the third heatwave of the summer, and it’s only the beginning of July. On days like these, the last thing I want is to spend hours standing over a hot stove. Instead, I find myself craving lighter lunches and dinners that are easy to prepare but still packed with flavour.
This Romanian green beans stew recipe is exactly this. It’s simple and lets fresh summer vegetables shine. In Romania, mâncărică refers to a kind of stew that can be made either vegetarian or with meat, in one pot, on top of the stove. This green beans version is just the perfect light diner for summer and you can serve it on its own, alongside crusty bread, or as a side dish next to a meat dish.
Ingredients for the Romanian Green Beans Stew Recipe
This recipe uses a handful of everyday vegetables that come together to create a wonderfully fresh and flavourful stew. You’ll need one onion, one carrot, and one bell pepper, which form the aromatic base of the dish. Fresh green beans are the star of the recipe. They should be cleaned, trimmed, and cut into smaller pieces so they’re easy to eat while still holding their shape during cooking. You will also need a can of chopped tomatoes and plenty of dill to finish the stew.
How to Make Romanian Green Beans Stew
Begin by peeling and chopping the onion, carrot, and bell pepper into small bite-sized pieces. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half.
Heat a little vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté for several minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute, taking care not to let it burn.
Add the prepared green beans to the pan, followed by the chopped tomatoes. Fill the empty tomato tin with water and pour it into the stew to create a light sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover partially with a lid and cook until the green beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Depending on the freshness of the beans, this usually takes around 20–30 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before stirring through plenty of freshly chopped dill.
Serve the stew hot with thick slices of crusty bread for a simple and delicious meal.
Notes and Tips
- Fresh green beans will give the best texture, but frozen green beans work very well too. If using frozen beans, there’s no need to thaw them first.
- Avoid overcooking the beans. They should be tender while still holding their shape, rather than becoming mushy.
- Fresh dill is one of the signature flavours of this dish. If you’re a dill lover like me, don’t be afraid to add a little extra.
- This stew is naturally vegan and makes an excellent meat-free lunch or dinner. If you’d like a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled sausages, roast chicken, or fried eggs.
- Like many Romanian stews, the flavours deepen after a few hours, making leftovers even more delicious the following day.
Romanian Green Beans Stew – Mâncărică de Fasole Verde
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- 250 gr green beans
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small bunch dill
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Trim the green beans and cut them in half.
- Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onion, carrot, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the green beans and chopped tomatoes.
- Fill the empty tomato can with water and add it to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes, until the green beans are tender but still hold their shape.
- Stir in the chopped dill just before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans work perfectly and make this recipe even quicker to prepare.
Can I make this stew vegan?
It already is! The recipe contains no meat or dairy, making it naturally suitable for vegans.
How long does it keep?
Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months.
What should I serve with Romanian green beans stew?
Crusty bread is the classic accompaniment, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Romanian sausages, fried eggs, or even a spoonful of sour cream.
For more traditional Romanian vegetarian dishes, check out my recommendations below:
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