Ejotes a la Mexicana
4 servings
This easy Mexican side dish combines fresh green beans, tomato, onion, chile, garlic, and a touch of cumin, cooked to tender perfection. Perfect as a side with rice, chicken, or tucked into tortillas, this simple, healthy recipe is a staple in any Mexican kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb green beans
- 1 large tomato
- 1 small onion
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the green beans, wash them well, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, toss in the green beans, and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Dice the tomatoes and chop the onion, chilies, and garlic.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the onion and chilies, let them sizzle for a minute, then stir in the garlic and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin, and cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the green beans, toss well for about a minute so everything gets coated in that delicious tomato mix, and you’re done!
- Serve warm, it’s perfect as a side or even as a light main with some warm tortillas.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best color and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the beans, they should stay tender and bright green.
- Adjust the chile to your taste; serrano gives more heat, jalapeño is milder.
- Taste and season as you go; a little extra salt or cumin can make a big difference.
- Leftovers are great! Store in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet.
- Pair with rice, grilled meats, or warm tortillas for a full meal.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 506mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1592IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg