This is a summer staple in my house. Yet another dish I grew up eating, especially in summer with the string beans are their most delicious. It is such an easy dish packed with flavor. Our recipe calls for the addition of some kind of cured pork, whether it be salt pork, pancetta or bacon. It takes this dish to whole other level. We also add potato which is traditional in my families region of Italy. I hope you enjoy my family’s spin on this classic Italian dish. My mom always made this with chicken cutlets and now that’s how I make it for my family.
Clean and trim the string beans. Peel and diced the potatoes and let them sit in water so they don't oxidize.
Hand crush the canned tomatoes.
To a saute pan, add olive oil and salt pork. Once the pork in rendered, add garlic and saute until fragrant.
Add in tomatoes, season with salt, pepper and fresh basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer or 15 mins.
In the meantime, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add string beans and potatoes and cook until the potatoes are almost fork tender, about 8 mins.
Add the beans and potatoes to the sauce and stir gently. Let them cook together for another 10 mins. This can be used as a main dish or a side dish!