This simple dish of Romanian green beans with garlic is one of our favorite, garlicky side dishes. Quick, straightforward, and full of flavor, it's a recipe I keep coming back to every summer.
These green beans with garlic were one of my grandmother's specialties, and I always looked forward to them as a child. A simple and inexpensive recipe, they're perfect alongside any kind of meat - grilled or pan-fried - but we often ate them with just a thick slice of white bread. I loved dipping the bread into the garlicky sauce and savoring every bite.
But of course, this green bean recipe would be great with Cast Iron Chicken Breasts, or Chicken Schnitzel with Potato Parmesan Crust. Try this simple Beef and Green Bean Ragรน for something more filling, including green beans.
Ingredients: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2-4 | Difficulty: Easy
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Recipe ingredients
Green beans: You can use fresh or frozen ones for this recipe; it doesn't really matter.
Garlic: The garlic sauce is the very basic and delicious Romanian mujdei de usturoi, which is basically just water, crushed garlic, and salt. I like adding a bit of mustard and maybe a tablespoon of oil to it from time to time, but you don't have to do it.
- Another version of this garlic sauce is this amazing Garlic Sour Cream Dip. If you would like your beans to be creamier, you could make that sauce instead. The end result would look different, but it will be equally delicious.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make green beans with garlic?
Step #1: Cook the prepared green beans to your liking - they should be tender and still crisp, not too soft. Drain and pat them dry.
Step #2: Sautรฉ them until they start to get dark spots here and there.
Step #3: Mix grated garlic with water, salt, and pepper.
Step #4: Combine the beans with the garlic sauce and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip
After the beans are cooked, some people fry them for just a few minutes to lightly coat them in oil. I like to let them go a little longer, until they develop a few darker spots here and there. That's how my grandmother always did it, and I love the flavor it gives the beans.
Store and reheat
Refrigerate: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, but keep it covered so the beans don't dry out.
Freeze: This dish freezes fine if you want to make a larger batch. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
What to serve with them?
I usually serve these garlic green beans with simple, everyday meat dishes like Grilled Pork Skewers or Romanian Meatballs. They're also great alongside pan-fried meats - like Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs or a hearty Butterfly Roast Chicken - a simple side that makes any meal feel complete.
They're just as good at room temperature, which is how I usually serve the leftovers. A piece of bread to soak up the garlicky sauce on the side is all you need - something like this crusty Flaxseed Bread, for instance.
Romanian Green Beans with Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans Note 1
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ยฝ cup water
- 3 garlic cloves
- fine sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook green beans: Break the green beans into two or three parts, depending on how long they are. Place them into a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until done to your liking. They should still be crisp and not overly soft (Notes 2 and ).1 lb green beans
- Drain well and rinse immediately in very cold running water. Drain very well again and pat dry with a kitchen towel if still too wet.
- Fry: Heat the oil in a large skillet. Cook the green beans until they start getting some darker spots here and there. Stir often.3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Make garlic sauce: In the meantime, prepare the garlic sauce. Pour the water into a small bowl. Grate or crush the garlic cloves into the water. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste.3 garlic cloves + ยฝ cup water + fine sea salt and pepper
- Combine: When the beans are done to your liking, add the garlic sauce and mix well.
- Serve Romanian beans: You can serve the beans warm or cold as a side dish for grilled or fried meat, chicken, or fish. Or you could serve them (warm) as a main meal with white bread or polenta.
Notes
- Green beans: You can make the recipe with frozen green beans, too. You don't have to thaw them; cook them according to the package's instructions.
- The cooking time depends on your liking and the thickness of the green beans. Make sure to check soon enough, so they don't get too soft. You will continue cooking them shortly in the pan.
- Frozen beans will cook faster, so start checking sooner, after 7-8 minutes already, and keep checking until they're done to your liking.
Susan Renee Hennings says
My young son loved g.beans braised in butter. This is a bit like that. Anything braised in butter is going to superb.
Adina says
That is so true!
sarah says
I wasnt sure if you were supposed to add the sauce to the oil while you're frying or wait until after you are finished cooking so I added it during. It was pretty good !
Agness of Run Agness Run says
So delicious! Can't wait to give it a try, Adina! ๐
Chris Scheuer says
I love learning all your grandmother's recipes. She sounds like an amazing cook and these green beans look wonderful!
allie says
Hi Adina - I loved learning more about your family! And while I didn't make it to your beautiful hometown Sibiu this summer, we did visit Sighiลoara - another stunning, historic Romanian city. This green bean dish looks simple and delicious - I like my green beans with lots of color too. Well done, thanks for sharing your Grandmother's recipe today. XO
Monica says
I love green beans and simply prepared like this with garlic is the best. I know your grandmother would be proud of this.
Kim says
Once again, a nice story and beyond gorgeous photos. I like my beans this way, too, although I tend to add a little acid because that's how I roll. My grandmother always overcooked her beans, too. I prefer the bright green color opposed to the yellowish color. Thank you for sharing another great recipe.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Family recipes are the real treasures. I love garlic in everything and this green beans with garlic look so good and delicious, so I can tell I am going to love this. Using garlic cloves was a wonderful idea. I shall try this recipe soon.
Kathy@beyond the chicken coop says
There's nothing better than recipes passed down from generation to generation. This recipe looks like it brings out the best in green beans! Wonderful and simple. ๐
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I had some garlic roasted green beans today too. Have never thought of using cloves though...must give your recipe a try next time.