Cookbook:Fasolia (Ethiopian Green Bean Stew)

Fasolia is an Ethiopian stew, is a delicious and flavorful dish made with tender green beans cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce. This vegetarian stew is a popular choice in Ethiopian cuisine and pairs well with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or rice.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 large onion, finely chopped
 * 3 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
 * 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
 * 1 teaspoon paprika
 * ½ teaspoon cumin
 * ½ teaspoon coriander
 * ½ teaspoon turmeric
 * ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
 * Salt, to taste
 * 500 grams (1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
 * Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

 * Large skillet or frying pan with lid
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Cutting board
 * Chef's knife

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
 * 3) Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
 * 4) Stir in the berbere spice blend, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the onions and tomatoes with the spices.
 * 5) Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet and stir to combine them with the spice mixture.
 * 6) Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
 * 7) Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices if desired.
 * 8) Remove from heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
 * 9) Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
 * 10) Serve as a main course, accompanied by injera or rice.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Adjust the spiciness of the stew by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
 * For a thicker sauce, you can mash a small portion of the cooked tomatoes and onions using a fork or the back of a spoon.
 * Use fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor in the stew.
 * To save time, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
 * You can add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the fasolia for added flavor and variety.
 * Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer and more concentrated tomato flavor.
 * Fasolia is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian or vegan diet.