Greek Green Beans with Tomatoes and Onions — Fasolakia Giaxni

Ingredients

• 1 ½ - 2 pounds fresh green beans or romano beans; if using romano beans, trim into 2 to 3-inch pieces
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup extra-virgin Greek olive oil
• 1 large white onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 14 ounce can garbanzo beans or 3 potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cinnamon sticks, (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2-3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley or dill for garnish
• 1/4 cup or more of feta cheese for garnish
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste