Name: Loubieh Bi Zeit: Simple Green Beans in Tomato-Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds green beans, washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces; 3 ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 large onion, sliced into wedges; 10 cloves garlic (5 whole cloves and 5 sliced into rounds); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup water

Description

Loubieh Bi Zeit is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring fresh green beans simmered in a rich tomato and garlic-infused olive oil sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights the natural crunch and vibrant taste of green beans, enhanced by aromatic garlic, caramelized onions, and ripe tomatoes, making it a perfect side or light main dish that brightens any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 pounds green beans, washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, sliced into wedges
10 cloves garlic (5 whole cloves and 5 sliced into rounds)

Other Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup water

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Dice the tomatoes and slice the onion into wedges. Set aside.
Prepare Garlic: Separate the garlic cloves by leaving 5 whole and slicing the remaining 5 into round pieces for varied texture and flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the whole garlic cloves and onion wedges, sautéing until the onion softens and becomes slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cook and meld for 2-3 minutes, enhancing the sauce’s depth and sweetness.
Add Green Beans and Simmer: Add the trimmed green beans and 1 cup of water to the pan, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.
Cook Covered: Cover the pan and let the dish simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still retain slight crunch.
Final Touches: Once cooked, adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm as a side or light main dish.

Notes

Fresh green beans are crucial for a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor.
Using a mix of whole and sliced garlic adds aroma and layered garlicky taste.
The dish can be served warm or at room temperature, complementing a variety of Mediterranean meals.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing.
Ensure the pan is covered while simmering to cook the beans evenly and retain moisture.