Lebanese Green Beans

Lebanese Green Beans are a warm, spiced green bean dish, combining tomatoes, green beans, cinnamon and cumin. This is a Lebanese family recipe that has been passed down through the years. We love pairing the green beans with rice, pita and a side of yogurt sauce. These make great leftovers too!

It has been some time now since I shared a recipe from the lebanese cuisine.

There are so many that I love and I am making an effort to share more of them with you guys. These Lebanese Green Beans  are right up there as a one of my favorites.

Today’s recipe for Lebanese Green Beans (otherwise known as Lubee or loubieh bi zeit) is my favorite lebanese dish that my Grandma and Mom made when I was a child. We also would often eat these Lebanese Beef and Green Beans if we wanted a meat version.

It is slowly simmered with diced tomatoes, onions and garlic, cinnamon and cumin which allows the flavors to really develop and become rich and warm. Think of it like a lebanese green bean stew.

I remember as a child walking into my Grandma’s house and knowing that Lebanese Green Beans were cooking by the smells coming from the kitchen. Isn’t it amazing how food can remind you a place, or a time in your life and transport you immediately?

These green beans are healthy and simple to put together–you need a can of diced tomatoes, a bag of frozen green beans (or you can use fresh green beans), an onion, garlic, cumin and cinnamon.

I make a batch of this and always have leftovers to eat throughout the week which is great when I need a quick, vegetarian side dish. You can also modify this dish and add ham or stew meat to make it more of a meat a few minutes after sautéing your onions and then allow to simmer with the rest of the dish.

Recipe Ingredients

• Green Beans: The green beans are the start of the show. I use a bag of frozen green beans because I like the water that the frozen ones produce and help all of the spices and juices come together. You can use fresh green beans if you prefer. 
• Diced Tomatoes: I use a can of diced tomatoes in my green bean side dish. It helps create a nice sauce for the green beans along with the spices. You can use fresh tomatoes if that is what you have on hand – I suggest either dicing large tomatoes or using cherry tomatoes and cutting them in half. The delicious tomato sauce is my favorite part of this dish paired with the warm spices.
• Garlic and Onion: The garlic and onion in this recipe add flavor to the dish. I like to thinly slice the sweet or yellow onion for this dish. You also could use red onion or shallot if that is all you have.
• Spices: The aromatic spices are what really adds flavor to the dish. This recipe uses cumin, paprika and cinnamon for rich, warm flavors which are often essential spices in lebanese cooking.

How to Make Lebanese Green Beans

Step 1: Sauté Garlic Cloves and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or large pot over medium high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 2 minutes {if you are using meat, it can be added here and sautéed for an addition 4 minutes}.

Step 2: Add Green Beans, Spices and Diced Tomatoes and Mix: Add the string beans, cumin, paprika, cinnamon and diced tomatoes and mix together.

Step 3: Simmer the Green Beans: Bring to a boil, then cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until green beans {and beef stew meat if using it} are tender, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste as well as salt and pepper.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Serve warm over lebanese rice pilaf, brown rice, vermicelli rice or quinoa with a side of fresh pita bread and yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve these green beans as a side dish to Lebanese main course. You also could eat this for lunch alongside rice and pita bread. Here are a few main dishes these pair great with:

• I grew up eating these Lebanese Green Beans alongside Lebanese Meat Pies or Spinach Pies.
• Chicken can be a great pairing for these green beans. I love serving it alongside this Chicken Shawarma Recipe, Chicken Kofta, Lebanese Chicken Kabobs or this Yogurt Marinated Chicken.
• Beef is also a great pairing with these green beans. Try these Arayes, Beef Kafta Kabobs, Beef Kafta Meatballs, Mediterranean Beef Meatballs or this Spiced Beef Hummus Pita Pizza.

Storage Tips

Allow the cooked dish to cool completely before storing.Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To freeze cooked Lebanese green beans you will want to let the green beans completely cool off. Divide into portion-sized containers or freezer bags for easy thawing. Label with the date and consume within 3 months for the best quality.

Recipe FAQ

More Lebanese Recipe You Might Like:

• Lebanese Lentil Soup
• Lebanese Potato and Egg Recipe
• Lebanese Vegetables
• Lebanese Spicy Potatoes
• Easy Lebanese Salad
• Balela Salad

These Lebanese Green Beans are delicious, and nutrient-packed recipe that’s perfect for weekday lunches, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired goodness in every bite!

If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!