Are you ready to taste a delightful dish from the heart of Lebanese cuisine? Loubieh Bi Zeit (Green Beans in Olive Oil) is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, history, and culture! This tasty vegetarian dish features tender green beans cooked slowly in olive oil and flavored with garlic and tomatoes.
Making Loubieh Bi Zeit at home allows you to experience a traditional meal loved by many across the Middle East. With its roots in Lebanon, this dish symbolizes the agricultural richness of the region, bringing together the simple yet robust flavors of fresh ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, it’s no wonder why people are drawn to this comforting recipe. It’s healthy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Fresh green beans | 1 pound (450g) |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Garlic cloves | 4, minced |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium, chopped |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
*Tip: If fresh green beans are not available, you can use frozen green beans as a substitute!*
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own Loubieh Bi Zeit:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the green beans under cold water. Trim the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
- Add Green Beans: Stir in the green beans, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together, coating the beans in the flavorful tomato mixture.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the green beans simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.
- Finish with Lemon: Once cooked, remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, either on its own or alongside rice or crusty bread!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional value per serving of Loubieh Bi Zeit:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value (%) |
| Calories | 180 | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Fats | 14g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 15% | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 20% | 20% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
Tips and Tricks
– For extra flavor, try adding spices like cumin or coriander to the dish.
– You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix.
– Make sure not to overcook the green beans; you want them to remain slightly crisp.
– If you have leftovers, Loubieh Bi Zeit tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!
FAQs
1. Can I make Loubieh Bi Zeit ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Is Loubieh Bi Zeit vegan?
Absolutely! Loubieh Bi Zeit is a vegan dish, made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
3. What can I serve with Loubieh Bi Zeit?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or even pita bread. You can also serve it as part of a mezze platter.
4. Can I freeze Loubieh Bi Zeit?
Yes! You can freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
5. How can I make it spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the recipe.
6. What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?
A good quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
7. How long do I need to cook the green beans?
Cook the green beans for about 30 minutes until they become tender but not mushy.
8. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient shortcut; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
9. What are the health benefits of this dish?
is low in calories and high in vitamins, making it a healthy option filled with nutrients.
10. What is the origin of Loubieh Bi Zeit?
This dish originates from Lebanon and is a traditional staple that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage.
11. Can I use different beans?
While traditionally made with green beans, you can experiment with other beans, but the cooking time may differ.
12. How can I enhance the flavor?
Consider adding fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, right before serving for added freshness.
13. Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, Loubieh Bi Zeit is a one-pot wonder, making cleanup easy!
14. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
15. What’s the best way to reheat Loubieh Bi Zeit?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Now you’re all set to make your own delicious Loubieh Bi Zeit! Enjoy the cooking and the wonderful flavors of this beloved dish.
