Loubieh Bi Zeit literally means “green beans in oil” and is a Lebanese traditional vegetarian dish. Many local dishes use olive oil I think because Lebanon produces fine olive oil and combined to many ingredients result into absolute indulgence.

I prepare this dish using fresh beans, tomatoes, garlic and onions. I love this old-fashioned simple version, I change nothing add nothing!

This meal is refreshing, tasty and healthy, the combination of ripe tomatoes and green beans gives it a sweet flavor with a bit of acidity.

Classic!

Ingredients

• 1kg flat green beans (a.k.a helda beans), washed
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 7 garlic cloves
• 400 g ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• ¼ tsp Lebanese seven spices
• ½ tsp salt
• Fresh herbs for garnish

 Directions

1. Top and tail the beans and cut into even-sized pieces.
2. Fry the onions over medium-high heat until golden. Add the whole garlic, the flat beans, the pepper and the salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the beans are a vibrant green.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir.
4. Cover with water and simmer on low-medium heat for about 25 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and add the tomato sauce. Continue cooking until the liquid evaporates and the tomatoes form a thick coating around the beans.
6. Garnish with parsley, coriander or mint and serve at room temperature with fresh onions and flat bread.