Creamy Croatian Green Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 250ml (1 cup) vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) vegetable broth
• 125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
3. 3.
   Add the green beans to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the green beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the heavy cream and let the stew simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Croatian Green Bean Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green beans — Make sure to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked green beans with a fork before adding the cream.
• Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or dill for an extra burst of freshness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Croatian Green Bean Stew as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, it can be served over a bed of fluffy rice for a more substantial meal.

Presentation advice

Present the stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant green color of the beans to shine through. Drizzle a swirl of cream on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.