Name: Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 medium onions, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 pounds flat Italian green beans, trimmed and cut in half; 6 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon cumin; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 67 reviews

Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together tender green beans simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with the warm aroma of cinnamon and cumin. This is a classic Middle Eastern side that bursts with vibrant flavors yet remains incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking to add a vegetarian staple to your meal rotation or want to impress friends with authentic Lebanese cuisine, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and heartwarming satisfaction.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a small glass bottle arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, a large glass bowl contains seven whole red tomatoes with smooth, shiny skin. Next to it, a smaller glass bowl holds four separate piles of spices in brown, black, white, and tan colors. Above that is a bowl with a rich, dark red thick paste. A bottle with a pale yellow liquid, likely oil, sits toward the top right. Beside these, the largest glass bowl is filled with fresh green flat beans that have a smooth, glossy texture. Below the tomatoes and spices, two whole pale yellow onions rest near three peeled garlic cloves in a tiny glass bowl. There is also a clear glass measuring cup with some clear liquid. Everything is placed neatly on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential; each plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of freshness, warmth, and depth in this Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe. They come together beautifully to highlight the natural sweetness of green beans and tomatoes, enriched with aromatic spices and silky olive oil.

2 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing, olive oil adds richness and a fruity undertone that is foundational for the dish.

2 medium onions (diced): Onions provide sweetness and body, softening to complement the tender green beans perfectly.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses a punchy flavor that deepens the overall taste without overpowering the subtlety of the beans.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: This thick paste intensifies the tomato essence, lending a robust and slightly sweet tang.

2 pounds flat Italian green beans (trimmed and cut in half): The star ingredient, these beans deliver freshness with a slight crispness after cooking.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon introduces a subtle warmth and earthiness that’s signature in many Lebanese dishes.
½ teaspoon cumin: Cumin adds a nutty, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the spice profile without heat.

2 teaspoons salt: Essential for brightening flavors and ensuring the beans cook properly seasoned.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat that rounds off the spice notes.
6 Roma tomatoes (finely chopped): Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and a vibrant color, balancing richness with brightness.

½ cup water: Helps cook the beans to tender perfection and melds all the flavors into a luscious sauce.

How to Make Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Perfection

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them gently for about 10 minutes until they become soft and take on a subtle golden hue. This slow sauté unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for everything else. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic starts!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste for Depth

Next, toss in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir continuously for around 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This brief cooking time intensifies the paste’s flavor while ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn, which is crucial for that perfect balance of taste in the final dish.

Step 3: Incorporate the Green Beans and Spices

Now it’s time for the green beans to join the party. Add them to the skillet along with cinnamon, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the beans evenly with the rich onion and tomato paste mixture. The combination of spices starts to infuse the beans with that signature warmth that Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe is known for.

Step 4: Add Fresh Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the finely chopped Roma tomatoes and the half cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the beans simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking softens the beans until they're fork-tender while allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together into a luscious, comforting stew. Keep an eye on it and give it a gentle stir now and then to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to cool slightly. This brief resting period helps the flavors settle and enhances the dish's complexity. Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it wonderfully versatile for any meal setting.

How to Serve Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe

A white bowl holds a stew with two main layers: large, flat green vegetable pieces and a thick red-orange tomato sauce mixed with small diced onions and spices. The sauce coats the green pieces evenly, giving a slightly shiny texture. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, with the handle leaning out. To the right of the bowl, there are folded light beige flatbreads with some brown spots. On the left side, an orange cloth napkin adds a soft texture. The background is a white marbled surface. In the upper back, part of a larger pot containing more stew is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet delightful touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or mint over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich tomato and spice flavors perfectly. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving elevates the dish’s silky texture and deepens the taste.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with soft, warm pita bread to scoop up the green beans and sauce. It also works wonderfully alongside rice pilaf or bulgur for a heartier meal. For a balanced plate, include a fresh fattoush or tabbouleh salad—both offer a crisp contrast and zesty freshness that enhances the entire dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at a dinner party? Serve Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe in a vibrant ceramic bowl surrounded by a selection of mezze plates. Alternatively, layer the green beans over a bed of creamy hummus for a stunning appetizer or light lunch. You can also top the dish with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to add delightful crunch and richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it an even tastier choice the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigeration to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave some space at the top for expansion and remember to label your container for easy identification. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Avoid overheating to preserve the bright flavors and tender texture of the beans.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans may soften faster. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the dish for best results.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold. It’s versatile and commonly served chilled as part of mezze spreads, which makes it a great make-ahead dish.

What if I don’t have Roma tomatoes?

If Roma tomatoes are not on hand, any ripe, firm tomatoes will work fine. You can also use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch, but fresh ones provide that bright, natural sweetness that really shines in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, and spices. It’s a flavorful and healthy vegan option that everyone tends to love.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not spicy in terms of heat; the spices like cinnamon and cumin add warmth and earthiness but no chili heat. If you prefer a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and soulfulness of Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, combining humble ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying masterpiece. I encourage you to try it out, savor every bite, and share it with those you love. Trust me, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to recipes before you know it!

Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Lebanese Green Beans (Loubieh Bi Zeit) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Perfection

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste for Depth