Loubia Bzeit (Lebanese Vegetarian Green Beans)
Description
Discover Loubia Bzeit (or Loubia Bil Zeit), a classic Lebanese vegetarian dish made with tender green beans, sweet onions, and fragrant garlic stewed slowly with ripe tomatoes. Rich with quality extra virgin olive oil and packed with robust Mediterranean flavor, this comforting vegan staple is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish, or enjoy it as a satisfying light meal accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread.
Ingredients
- 500 g / 1 lb 2 oz fresh green beans trimmed and snapped
- 3 medium onions finely chopped
- 10 garlic cloves peeled (left whole or lightly sliced)
- 6 medium tomatoes peeled and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- A dash of cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle warmth
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans: Trim the stem ends of the green beans and snap or cut each pod into two or three bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set a large pot over medium heat. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, add the finely chopped onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Wilt the Beans: Add the prepped green beans to the pot and stir well to coat them in the oil. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to soften and wilt.
- Braise Low and Slow: Toss the whole garlic cloves into the pot, stirring them into the onions and green beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes until the beans are partially cooked. Make sure to stir the vegetables every few minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot and scorching.
- Simmer the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Cover the pot again and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for about 50 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down into a rich sauce and the green beans to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. (Note: If you are using traditional Romano beans instead of regular string beans, they are fleshier and take longer to cook! Extend this simmering time by an extra 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they reach the perfect, creamy consistency).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the heat and allow the dish to cool slightly. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside plenty of fresh, fluffy pita bread. Heavenly!
Notes
Hadia's Kitchen Tip: How to Easily Peel Tomatoes
To peel fresh tomatoes effortlessly, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a sharp paring knife, score a shallow "X" on the bottom skin of each tomato. Gently drop them into the boiling water for a few seconds until the skins begin to split. Remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and set them aside to cool down slightly. Once they are safe to handle, use your fingers to easily peel the skins back from the scored corners.
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