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.
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
Start your Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes by dicing your onion and cutting your green beans (if using fresh).
Then in a large pot, melt down the ghee and add the diced onion.
Sauté the onions until they are slightly caramelized and translucent.
Then add your green beans to the pot.
Followed by the Lebanese spice blend.
Then add the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about a half an hour.
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.
More Lebanese Food
- Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli
- Grilled Chicken Shawarma
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Lebanese Stuffed Kousa Squash
- Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce
Did you try this Lebanese recipe? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
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
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon clarified butter or olive oil (ghee)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 cups green beans – cut in 2 inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 servings All Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend
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.
Lubi-khadra is the name I was given for this dish. It’s DELICIOUS.
Can ihave vidio the recipe
Can I make this ahead and freeze this for a dinner party? How much would I need for 12 people? Thank you!
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.
Hi,
How many teaspoons of the spice blend are needed in this recipe?
Thank you!
2 teaspoons is good! You can add more to taste :)