Green bean dish with tomatoes

Bean Casserole with Tomatoes

If you're looking for a simple, quick and extremely tasty recipe, you've come to the right place! Bean Casserole with Tomatoes is not only a comforting recipe, but also a healthy choice, perfect for any meal of the day. So versatile, kidney beans can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. This recipe combines the sweetness of the tomatoes with the delicate flavors of the vegetables, resulting in a dish that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh string beans
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Fresh greens (parsley or dill)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt to taste

Brief history
Bean pods are an ingredient that has been cultivated and appreciated for thousands of years. It not only tastes delicious, but is also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Combined with tomatoes, carrot and onion, it makes a perfect dish for hot days or a light summer lunch. This simple kidney bean casserole recipe can be adapted according to your preferences by adding your favorite spices or other vegetables.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the broad beans thoroughly under cold running cold water. Break off the stalks and remove the splints, then cut each pod into halves. This will help cook evenly and make the dish easier to eat.

2. Boiling the beans:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a little salt. When the water comes to the boil, add the beans. Leave to simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly tender. Do not overcook as it will continue to cook in the oven.

3. Preparing the tomatoes:
In the meantime, wash the tomatoes and put them in a bowl of boiling water to make it easier to peel the skins off. After leaving them for a few minutes, take them out and remove the skins. Put the tomatoes through a large-mesh grater for a delicious puree.

4. Flavored vegetables:
Peel and wash the carrot and onion. Cut the onion into small cubes and grate the carrot. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and carrot and sauté until the onions are glassy, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combining ingredients:
Add the tomato puree to the pan and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Next, add the kidney beans, a sprinkle of salt and cook for 5 minutes.

6. Cooking in the oven:
Add enough water to cover the beans, then transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at medium heat (180°C) for about 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.

7. Thickening the sauce:
After 30 minutes, remove 1 cup of the stock in which the noodles have boiled and allow to cool slightly. Add the flour to the stock in the saucepan and stir well to avoid lumps. Pour the mixture back into the bowl with the beans and add the tomato paste.

8. Finalizing the dish:
Leave in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Finally, add the finely chopped greens over the dish and turn off the heat.

Serving suggestions
The tomato and kidney bean dish can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It's delicious with a side of fresh bread or breadcrumbs, and a crisp green salad will complement the meal perfectly. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Interesting variations
If you want to try something different, you can add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor. Experimenting with different types of tomatoes (cherry or sundried tomatoes) can also add a distinctive touch.

Nutritional benefits
Bean pods are rich in vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (magnesium, iron) and fiber, making them a beneficial food for digestion and overall health. Tomatoes add antioxidants and carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene. This food is ideal for a balanced diet as it is low in calories but high in nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen cowpeas. Make sure you thaw them before adding them to the recipe.

2. How can I store the food?
The food keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

3. What are the best drink combinations for this recipe?
A sparkling soda with lemon or a dry white wine will perfectly match the flavors of this dish.

I wish you bon appétit and hope you enjoy this simple, but delicious recipe for a tomato and kidney bean dish. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a quick lunch, it's sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!