Description
Loubieh Bi Zeit is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring tender green beans simmered in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe uses fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and onions, all cooked gently in olive oil to create a comforting and healthy vegetable stew perfect as a side or main for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, sliced into wedges
Aromatics
- 10 cloves garlic (5 whole, 5 sliced into rounds)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Dice the tomatoes and slice the onion into wedges to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare the garlic: Separate the garlic cloves, leaving 5 whole and slicing the other 5 into rounds for a balanced garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the whole garlic cloves and the sliced onion wedges. Sauté until the onion softens and caramelizes slightly, about 5 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Cook the tomato base: Stir in the diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce into the pan, mixing them evenly with the aromatics. Let this mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to develop a rich, vibrant sauce.
- Add green beans and simmer: Add the trimmed green beans and 1 cup of water to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and stir everything together. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes until the green beans are tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Final touches and serving: Once the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the lid and cook for an additional minute if needed to reduce the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve warm as a flavorful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Fresh green beans are essential for the best texture and flavor—avoid frozen or canned if possible.
- The combination of whole and sliced garlic ensures a deep garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
- For a slightly tangier flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
