Lebanese green beans in tomato sauce (Lubia or Loubieh or loubia B'zeit) are warm and flavorful, and a very different way to making green beans, especially if you are looking for new ideas! Green beans are stewed in a delicious tomato and onion broth with warm spices.
Some dishes remind me of my childhood, this would be one of them! I love to serve this as a side dish with Lebanese Chicken Rice. The combination of the rice and pine nuts from the chicken rice, and the stewed green beans from the side dish makes for an amazing flavor experience.
The Lebanese green beans name is loubia b'zeit, which means Lebanese green beans with oil. It has several spelling variations like loubieh, loubyeh etc.
Not only are Lebanese stewed green beans super tasty, this meal together is one of my favorite go-to meals when I'm in a hurry, and it is a family friendly dinner as well! Let's get to it!
This side dish is also, Whole30 compliant if cooked with ghee instead of butter! Want to read more about Lebanese food? Read my article on the 9 most popular Lebanese dishes!
What are the ingredients for Lebanese Green Beans and tomatoes? (Loubia B'zeit)
The ingredients are very simple for this easy Middle Eastern recipe. It is a classic Lebanese dish that is very common and it's so easy a child can make it. The ingredients are:
- Green beans (either canned or fresh)
- Butter or ghee (some recipes call for olive oil)
- Tomato sauce or tomato puree
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Cinnamon (or Lebanese 7 spices)
How to make Mediterranean green beans- Lubia Recipe
Finely chop the onions. Add butter and diced onions to a sauce pan and sauté on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onions become clear.
Drain 2 cans of green beans and reserve about ¼ cup of the water. Feel free to use fresh green beans also! Just make sure to cook it longer. Add one can of tomato sauce and spices as well. Rinse the can of tomato sauce out with the reserved water and add it to the sauce pan. Add the spices. You are going to love these braised green beans.
Stir to combine and simmer covered over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Serve by itself or over rice. We love to eat it with Lebanese Chicken Rice. Enjoy!
Can I make Lebanese lubia beans with fresh string beans?
Yes of course! Allow about 20 more minutes of cooking time for the beans to be cooked through if you are making this recipes with fresh green beans.
What pairs well with Lebanese green beans?
Lebanese green beans and tomatoes pairs well with many things. One common way of eating it is with beef and over Lebanese Vermicelli Rice. The rice pairs so well with it and it is a wonderful Lebanese vegetarian option to have. Lubia beans also go wonderfully with some hot fresh pita bread. And as always, these Mediterranea green beans are delish when served with a dollop of plain yogurt. Enjoy!
Check out these other Lebanese recipes from A Pinch Of Adventure!
- Lebanese Baklawa Recipe
- Lebanese Stuffed Squash
- Fattoush Salad
- Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
📖 Recipe
Lebanese Green Beans Recipe (Lubia)
Ingredients
- 2 14.5 oz cans Green Beans reserve ¼ cup water
- 1 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
- 1 Onion diced
- 3 tablespoon Butter some recipes use olive oil
- 1 teas Salt
- ½ teas Pepper heaping
- ¼ teas Cinnamon heaping
Instructions
- In a 2 qt. saucepan, sauté the onions in the butter for 4-5 minutes or until onions begin to become clear
- Add green beans and tomato sauce
- Rinse the tomato sauce can out with reserved water and add to the saucepan
- Add the spices and simmer on medium heat for 25 minutes
- Serve with Lebanese Chicken Rice
Notes
Beth Shields
I love these. When I was younger (much younger) my sister had a friend who made these and they were amazing. So glad I found this recipe. Will be making it for sure. Thanks.
Emily A
How fun!
Jackie Monahan
Hi Emily,
What are the Lebanese spices used for this green beans recipe? TIA.
Jackie
Emily Ackerman
Hi Jackie, Cinnamon is a very common ingredient in savory food in Lebanese cuisine. It can be substituted with Lebanese 7 Spices, if that is readily accessible to you. The cinnamon is the defining spice that sets it apart.