Lebanese Green Bean Stew (Loubieh Bzeit) Recipe – Lebanese Special
Lebanese Green Bean Stew, known as Loubieh Bzeit, is a comforting, traditional dish made with tender green beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, and olive oil. This vegan and naturally gluten-free dish is a staple in Lebanese home cooking—perfect served warm with rice or cold as a mezze. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time35 min
- Total Time45 min
For the Stew:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (about 1 lb) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water (add more if needed)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Green Beans and Tomatoes:
Add the green beans and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics.
Mix in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add 1/2 cup water and stir to combine.
Simmer the Stew:
Cover the pot and let it simmer over low to medium heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tender and the sauce thickens.
Add lemon juice just before serving if desired.
Serve:
Serve warm with a side of Lebanese rice, flatbread, or crusty bread.
Can also be served cold as part of a mezze spread.
Recipe Notes :
Olive Oil : This dish traditionally uses a generous amount of olive oil. You can reduce it slightly for a lighter version.
Green Beans : Fresh green beans give the best texture, but frozen can be used if fresh are not available.
Spices : A hint of cinnamon adds depth, but it’s optional.
Tomatoes : Use ripe fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. Canned tomatoes work well for convenience.
Serving Suggestion : Great with rice pilaf or served as a cold appetizer with pita.
Storage : Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens over time.
