Loubieh bi Zeit
لوبية بزيت (loo-BYE-eh bee ZAYT)
Green Beans in Olive Oil
Tender green beans braised slowly with tomatoes, onions, and garlic in generous olive oil until silky and deeply flavored. This quintessential Lebanese vegetable dish proves that patience and good oil are all you need.
Nutrition & Info
Equipment Needed
Instructions
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1
Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 5cm pieces. Dice the onion and slice the garlic cloves thinly.
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2
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onion for 5 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften.
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3
Add sliced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Stir in allspice and cinnamon, letting the spices bloom in the oil.
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4
Add green beans, diced tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly in the aromatic tomato sauce.
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5
Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced significantly.
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6
Let cool to room temperature before serving, as this dish is traditionally enjoyed warm or at room temperature with rice and bread.
Did You Know?
Lebanese grandmothers insist that loubieh must be cooked "until the beans surrender" — any hint of crunch means it is not ready yet.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- large pot or deep skillet
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
The Story Behind Loubieh bi Zeit
Loubieh bi zeit belongs to the cherished category of Lebanese "bi zeit" dishes, meaning "in oil," which are vegetable stews cooked in generous amounts of olive oil and served at room temperature. This cooking style reflects the agricultural abundance of the Lebanese coast and mountains, where olive oil has been produced for millennia. These dishes were traditionally prepared in large batches for family meals and became especially important during religious fasting periods.
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