Lebanese Green Beans in Tomato Sauce | Lubia bil zeit

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil offers healthy fats while sunflower oil is more budget-friendly.

green beans

🥗Healthier: asparagus

💰Cheaper: frozen green beans

Asparagus provides similar texture and flavor, while frozen beans are often cheaper.

fresh tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Canned tomatoes are convenient and often less expensive than fresh.

garlic

🥗Healthier: shallots

💰Cheaper: garlic powder

Shallots add a milder flavor, while garlic powder is more affordable.

Rinse the green beans and trim off the ends.

Chop the beans into small pieces, about 3-4 cm or 1-1.5 inches long.

Set aside the chopped beans.

Peel and crush the garlic.

Peel and roughly chop an onion.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the crushed garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release the aroma.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Add the tomato paste and stir well, frying for another 30 seconds.

Add the chopped green beans to the saucepan and stir to combine, ensuring they are evenly coated with oil.

Sauté the beans for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, without adding tomatoes or water yet.

Add the canned diced tomatoes or tomato puree and water, ensuring the beans are fully covered in liquid.

Season with salt, pepper, 7-spice, and cinnamon, stirring well to combine.

Bring to a boil on medium to high heat.

Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low to medium, cover with a lid, and simmer for 30-40 minutes depending on desired tenderness.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary