Delicious Green Beans with Tangy Curry Tomato Sauce
These Delicious Green Beans are a flavorful South African-style vegetable side dish made with fresh green beans, onion, green pepper, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, and a sweet-and-tangy tomato sauce. They're especially delicious served alongside braai meat, roast chicken, or a traditional Sunday lunch.
The combination of brown sugar and vinegar gives the sauce a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor, while curry powder and turmeric add warmth and depth. It's an easy green bean recipe that can also be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for family meals and special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Green Bean Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful vegetable side dish
- Sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced sauce
- Perfect with braai meat and roast chicken
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Excellent South African-inspired side dish
- Great for Sunday lunch and family dinners
- Uses simple everyday ingredients
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: South African-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 700–800 g fresh green beans
- 30 ml butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 10 ml curry powder
- 5 ml turmeric
- 125 ml tomato sauce
- 60 ml brown sugar
- 60 ml brown vinegar
- 125 ml water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10 ml Maizena (cornstarch)
- 20 ml cold water
Method
1. Cook the Green Beans
Cook the green beans in salted water until just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain well.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pan and sauté the onion and green bell pepper over medium heat until softened.
3. Add the Aromatics and Spices
Add the garlic, curry powder, and turmeric. Fry for about 30 seconds.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, brown vinegar, and water. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Taste the sauce. Add a little extra sugar or vinegar if you prefer it sweeter or more tangy.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Mix the Maizena with 20 ml cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the Green Beans
Add the green beans and gently mix them through the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so the beans can absorb the sauce.
7. Season and Serve
Season with salt and black pepper.
Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.
Expert Tips
- Don't overcook the green beans; keeping them slightly crisp gives the dish a better texture.
- Taste the sauce before adding the beans and adjust the sugar or vinegar according to your preference.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving gives the flavors more time to develop.
- Prepare the dish a few hours ahead when serving it for a large family meal.
What to Serve with Green Beans
These flavorful green beans make an excellent side dish for:
- Braai meat
- Roast chicken
- Beef stew
- Roast beef
- Grilled sausages
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice
- Traditional Sunday lunch dishes
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these green beans ahead of time?
Yes. Preparing them a few hours ahead allows the flavors to develop. Reheat gently just before serving.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, although fresh green beans provide the best texture. If using frozen beans, cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
Are these green beans spicy?
The recipe has a mild curry flavor rather than strong heat. You can adjust the curry powder according to your preference.
Can I make the sauce sweeter?
Yes. Taste the sauce before adding the green beans and add a little extra brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Why is Maizena added to the sauce?
Maizena, or cornstarch, helps thicken the tomato-based sauce so it coats the green beans rather than remaining too watery.
What are these green beans good with?
They're particularly delicious with braai meat, chicken, roast meats, rice, potatoes, and traditional Sunday lunch dishes.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Green Beans with Tangy Curry Tomato Sauce are anything but an ordinary vegetable side dish. The tender green beans soak up a rich combination of tomato, curry, turmeric, brown sugar, and vinegar, creating a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor that's perfect for a comforting family meal
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