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Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes and Spices Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

Lebanese Green Beans is a flavorful and hearty Mediterranean dish featuring tender green beans simmered in a spiced tomato sauce with aromatic cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. This savory vegetarian recipe is perfect as a comforting side or light main dish, traditionally served warm over rice or quinoa with pita bread and yogurt.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound green beans, fresh or frozen
  • 1 - 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes with juices

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes to release its aroma. If using meat, add it now and cook for 4 more minutes until browned.
  2. Add Green Beans and Spices: Stir in the green beans, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
  3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, or until the green beans (and meat, if added) are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve: Serve the Lebanese green beans warm, ideally over cooked rice or quinoa, alongside pita bread and a dollop of yogurt for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can use fresh or frozen green beans; adjust cooking time if using particularly young or large beans.
  • For a heartier dish, add diced meat (such as lamb or beef) during the sauté step.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, pita, and yogurt to balance the spices and textures.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.