Neapolitan Green Beans with Garlic and Red Pepper
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This Neapolitan Green Beans recipe is an all-time favorite. I love the snap of fresh green beans enhanced with garlic, fresh garden tomatoes, and a bit of heat with red pepper. This French bean recipe is perfect to enjoy at the height of summer with fresh beans fresh from the garden!

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When you grow green beans in your garden, you’re always looking for fresh ideas on how to prepare them. I promise you that this simple dish of Neapolitan Green Beans served with fresh tomatoes, lots of garlic, and a bit of heat from some red pepper is about to become a family favorite!
Whether you grow your own beans or walk the aisles of local farmers’ markets and see baskets full of this quintessential summer veggie, you’re thinking about ways to enhance their already delicious flavor.
Many years ago I came across a recipe that I fell in love with. I make it often throughout the year, but most especially during the summer (they’re particularly good alongside some Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs, and perhaps some Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes?) When the green beans are growing up the trellis in my backyard garden, I’m thinking about this recipe.
I’m thinking about this recipe at Christmas and Thanksgiving, too. It’s just one of those keepers.
How to String Beans
I came across this video on YouTube. He’s like everyone’s favorite grandfather. If you need to string a lot of beans — like for this recipe — here’s how to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Yellow French-style beans are delicious with a delicate flavor. Sliced pole beans would also be delicious here; just lower the cooking time to ensure the slices still have some bite.
In a pinch, yes, but fresh garlic would be better.
If you don’t have any basil, fresh mint would work particularly well in this recipe instead.

If you enjoyed this recipe on 31 Daily, you might also enjoy:
- Quick Oven Roasted Tomatoes
- Braised Lettuce with Peas and Mint
- Burrata with Grilled Vegetables
- German White Asparagus Recipe
- Best Old-fashioned Refrigerator Dill Pickles
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Garden Fresh Neapolitan Green Beans with Garlic and Red Pepper
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 medium plum tomatoes cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1 1/2 pounds string beans trimmed and washed but not dried
- 1 large sprig fresh basil
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper flakes in a medium saucepan.
- Add the tomatoes and green beans. Place over medium-low heat and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
- Add the basil, and cook, covered, for 5 minutes more. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can be used instead of diced.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.