Traditional Fasolakia Recipe and National Cookbook Month

Did you know October is National Cookbook Month? Guys, low-key my dream is to write a cookbook. I share a TON of recipes on here, but I’d love to eventually collect them all together and offer them for you to purchase in one convenient spot.

Until I have the free time to do that… I’ll be joining some stations this month to chat all things cookbook and sharing a traditional Fasolakia Recipe! My first stop was today, where I joined my friends at Living Dayton.

Per usual, I want to hit you with some fun facts about why we celebrate National Cookbook Month:

• National Cookbook Month is about celebrating the traditional cookbook but it’s also about transforming it into a source for recipe shortcuts and hacks.
• A cookbook should be more than a book filled with recipes. It should be about family memories and family traditions recorded somewhere for you to find and relive.
• Celebrate Cookbook Month by creating your own, using an online service, and compiling those famous family recipes.

Since Fasolakia is a Greek dish, here are some other fun Greek recipes you can make at home: 

1. Briam is a combination of potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, and zucchini. All ingredients are then roasted with garlic, parsley and olive oil. Good for you, and your tummy!
2. Fava: A sister to the classic hummus, fava is made from yellow split peas, onions, garlic, olive oil—all blended together to make a creamy and rich dip. Can be served with carrots and pita bread.
3. Chickpea fritters: Considered the “Greek version of falafel,” chickpea fritters aim to please. Mostly accompanied with yogurt dip, this dish is sure to be gone fast!
4. Tzatziki: A favorite of many, tzatziki sauce is a perfect yogurt sauce for a plethora of dishes! With dill, cucumber, and fresh garlic— tzatziki adds a refreshing taste to kebabs, gyros, sandwiches, pita chips, and more!

Classic Fasolakia  

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried dill
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 14 oz. can stewed tomatoes, slightly drained

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat, add onion; sauté 2 minutes.
3. Add herbs and garlic; sauté 4 minutes.
4. Add beans and remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.

*Chef’s Note: After you are done preparing the sides, appetizers, and salad—you’ll be exhausted. Let Yaya’s Garden do the work of the main dish for you! With all natural ingredients, all straight from Greece— your family will be satisfied! Find Yaya’s Garden at Whole Foods & Healthy Alternative Store. Learn more about Yaya’s Garden at https://www.yayas.garden