Romanian Green Beans with Garlic

5 from 2 votes

Simple Romanian green beans in garlic sauce, a flavorful side dish you can enjoy hot or at room temperature. Perfect with meat or bread.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Romanian

Servings: - 4 servings

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Adina

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 + ½ 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.

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.