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Long-Cooked Green Beans

This recipe for slow-cooked green beans transforms a simple vegetable side into a rich, savoury dish packed with Mediterranean flavour. Unlike traditional quick-blanched vegetables, these beans are gently simmered in a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chicken stock. The long cooking process allows the beans to absorb the aromatic notes of garlic, bay and a hint of chilli, resulting in a silky texture and a deep, complex finish.

As a naturally dairy-free dish, these beans are an excellent accompaniment to a Sunday roast or grilled meats. The acidity of the aged balsamic vinegar perfectly balances the richness of the olive oil, making this a sophisticated addition to your dinner repertoire. For a vegetarian alternative, simply swap the chicken stock for a high-quality vegetable bouillon to maintain that essential depth of flavour.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Long-Cooked Green Beans

  • 1.8kg green beans (preferably Blue Lake variety), trimmed

  • 240ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium Spanish onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 dried red chilli pepper

  • 950ml chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

  • 120ml aged balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

How to make Long-Cooked Green Beans

Bring large pot salted water to boil. Add green beans and boil, uncovered, until slightly tender but still crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In large saucepan over moderately high heat, heat 120ml olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add onions, garlic, bay leaf, and chilli pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, just until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add green beans, chicken stock, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 120ml olive oil. Bring to simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 30 minutes. Strain, remove chilli and bay leaf, and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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