Loubye Bzeit is a classic Lebanese stewed green bean recipe that is ever so popular in Lebanon. Different variations of this vegetarian goodness exist throughout the middle east. 

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 60 minutes.

Ingredients (serves 4 people)

• 2 lb green beans chopped into 5-6cm long pieces
• 1 white onion chopped
• 8 garlic cloves crushed
• 2-3 medium tomatoes roughly chopped
• 1 tin of concentrated tomato paste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• Salt to taste

Preparation and cooking

1. Once you’ve chopped the beans and the onion, fry the onions with the cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Add the tin of tomato paste and half a cup of boiling water. Mix well, reduce heat and let it simmer for circa 15 minutes.
3. Add the beans, crushed garlic, tomatoes and salt to the pot, followed by one cup of boiling water. Mix and cover, reducing heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Mix gently and simmer for another 20 minutes until beans are super tender.
5. Turn the heat off and add the lemon juice then mix.
6. Add more salt if required.
7. Serve topped with chili flakes for a kick alongside Arabic white rice.