Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes

A humble but flavorful Lebanese classic, this vegetarian side dish of Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes is made with warm spices including cinnamon and allspice.

Spoonful of Lebanese green beans with tomatoes.

Comfort food means different things to different people. For me and my family, the most comforting dishes are the Lebanese recipes of my childhood, passed down over the generations. While Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes are typically made with beef and served over rice pilaf, we also enjoy eating them as a vegetarian side dish.

Ingredients

  • Clarified butter: Also known as ghee, it is slightly nuttier tasting than regular butter.
  • Onion: I use a white onion which is mild in flavor but caramelizes beautifully.
  • Green beans: Also called French beans or string beans, they are a great source of Vitamin K as well as calcium and other nutrients.
  • Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes that are slightly soupy and already diced into easy to eat pieces, they are an easy and affordable ingredient used in lots of stews and roasts.
  • Tomato sauce: Tomatoes that have been cooked down and mixed with a blend of olive oil and spices.
  • Lebanese spice blend: A delicious and warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

How to Make Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes

Dicing an onion

Start your Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes by dicing your onion and cutting your green beans (if using fresh).

Melting ghee

Then in a large pot, melt down the ghee and add the diced onion.

Sauteing onions

Sauté the onions until they are slightly caramelized and translucent.

Adding green beans to pot

Then add your green beans to the pot.

Adding lebanese spices

Followed by the Lebanese spice blend.

Adding tomato sauce

Then add the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce.

Stirring green beans with onions and tomatoes

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about a half an hour.

Lebanese green beans with tomatoes.

Serve garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes!

Frequently asked questions:

What pairs well with green beans and tomatoes?

Lebanese green beans would be delicious with Chicken Tawook or Beef Kafta. Serve with a Middle Eastern Syrian Salad dressed in lemon and garlic and dinner is done.

Should I blanche my green beans before I cook them?

Blanching green beans is beneficial if you plan to sauté them, but is not necessary when you plan on slow-cooking or stewing them.

Can I make my own Lebanese spice blend?

Yes you can! I would suggest using about 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground allspice and salt.

Lebanese green beans with tomatoes

More Lebanese Food

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Liz eating Lebanese green beans with tomatoes.

Delicious, comforting, and warm, you’ll enjoy these Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes even if you didn’t grow up eating them.

Your fork is waiting.

Lebanese green beans with tomatoes

Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes

4.28 stars average
A twist on a classic main dish, this vegetarian side dish of Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes is made with warm spices including cinnamon and allspice.
PREP: 5 minutes
COOK: 20 minutes
TOTAL: 25 minutes
Pin
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Heat clarified butter over medium high heat and saute onion until translucent, about 7-9 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in green beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and Lebanese spices. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer until beans are tender, about 20-30 minutes or longer if you wish.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 20.9gProtein: 3.8gFat: 3.9gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.3gSodium: 1006mgFiber: 4.4gSugar: 6.9g

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58 thoughts on “Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes”

    1. Yes you can! It might not taste as fresh, but green beans and tomato sauce both freeze well. Depending on what other sides and dishes you’ll be serving, doubling the recipe should be enough for 12 people.

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