What are Stewed Green Beans Croatian style?
– Sauteed green beans with onions, garlic, white wine, ajvar, and sweet paprika, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese
Recipe Intro
Croatian stewed green beans, “Varivo od mahuna,” is a traditional dish with variations. The plain version is thicker, focusing solely on green beans. Another popular version includes added vegetables like potatoes and carrots, resulting in a more stew-like consistency. When prepared with additional vegetables, some add chicken or beef, enhancing the flavour and heartiness of the dish. Both versions are staple meals in Croatian cuisine, showcasing the use of fresh, local ingredients. It is often served with pan-fried meats, “polpete” (patties that are a cross between meatballs and burgers), and crusty bread.
Stewed Green Beans Ingredients
- green beans – Use fresh or frozen green beans. You can also use runner beans, though they may require a longer cooking time. If using runner beans, select a stringless variety for the best texture.
- onion – yellow or red
- garlic – fresh
- aviar ( ajvar, havyar) – This is a pepper-based condiment from the Balkans, made from red bell peppers, aubergine (eggplants), garlic, and various spices. It is used as a spread on bread, a side dish, or an addition to meats and vegetables. The texture can range from smooth to chunky, and it has a smoky, slightly tangy flavour. (If you are in the UK, you can get aivar from Waitrose.)
Substitute: If ajvar isn’t available, you can use Romesco sauce or red pepper pesto, which are available in most supermarkets. - white wine – use dry or sweet, whichever you have on hand.
- parsley – fresh or dry
- paprika – pepper pwder, or Pimenton, use sweet version, not hot or smoked.
- parmesan cheese – or other similar hard cheese
- olive oil – or sunflower oil
Note: Optional ingredients can include potatoes and carrots if you want to make a stew instead of a side dish, turning it into a main meal that is eaten with a spoon and served with bread for dipping.
While you’re here, check out these tasty side dishes:
How to prepare green beans?
Trim the ends of the green beans, wash them, and chop them into small pieces.
In a medium-sized pan, heat oil and add finely chopped onion. Fry for about 7 minutes until the onion turns light yellow, being careful not to let it brown.
Next, add the green beans and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in the wine and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate.
Then, add water, ajvar, sweet paprika, half of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are tender. If using frozen beans, they may need around 10-15 minutes. Cook until nearly all the liquid evaporates.
At the last minute, add the remaining parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
What to serve with green beans?
In Croatia, sautéed green beans are typically served with roasted or grilled meat and occasionally with fish. They can also be served cold in a salad with a simple mix of olive oil and vinegar.
Recipe Card
Stewed green beans Croatian style – perfect side dish
Ingredients
- 200 g green beans
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp aivar ( ajvar) - or red pepper pesto
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 4 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 150 ml white wine
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- salt, pepper - to taste
- a few tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the green beans, wash them, and chop into small pieces.
- Heat oil in a medium-sized pan and add finely chopped onion. Fry for about 7 minutes until light yellow, avoiding browning.
- Add the green beans and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the wine and sauté for 5 minutes until the liquid evaporates.
- Add water, ajvar, sweet paprika, half of the parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 15- 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender and nearly all liquid has evaporated (10-15 minutes if using frozen beans).
- In the last minute, add the remaining parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.