Loubieh Bi Zeit, a beloved Lebanese dish, is a delightful taste of the Levant's rich culinary heritage. Tender green beans simmer in aromatic olive oil, blending with tangy lemon and the comforting warmth of garlic. This harmonious medley of flavors has been passed down for generations, each family adding their own unique twist. The simple, yet exquisite cooking process begins by sautéing the beans until golden-brown, then simmering them until perfectly tender. The result is a comforting and satisfying side dish – or even a main course – that evokes memories and a sense of home for Lebanese families. Keep reading to discover the full recipe and cooking steps.
Key Takeaways
- Loubieh Bi Zeit is a traditional Lebanese dish that originated from ancient Mediterranean civilizations and has evolved over generations with unique family adaptations.
- The dish combines tender green beans, olive oil, and spices, creating a rich flavor profile that evokes memories and a sense of home for Lebanese families.
- The cooking process involves sautéing onions, adding green beans, and simmering the mixture until the beans are tender, with lemon juice and crushed garlic added for balance and flavor.
- The texture contrast between the soft beans and slightly crunchy onions, along with the harmony of the olive oil, garlic, and spices, makes Loubieh Bi Zeit a comforting and aromatic dish.
- Loubieh Bi Zeit can be served as a side dish or a main dish, celebrating the simple yet exquisite flavors of the Levant region.
History
Loubieh Bi Zeit, a beloved Lebanese dish, has a rich and storied history intertwined with the region's cultural heritage. This simple yet delightful dish of green beans cooked in olive oil has been a staple in Lebanese households for generations.
The origins of Loubieh Bi Zeit can be traced back to the ancient Mediterranean civilizations, where olive oil and fresh produce were integral to the local cuisine. Over time, the recipe evolved, with each family adding their own unique touch, making it a truly diverse and versatile dish.
Today, Loubieh Bi Zeit remains a beloved comfort food, connecting Lebanese people to their culinary roots and bringing families together around the table. The combination of tender green beans, fragrant olive oil, and aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that transports you to the heart of Lebanon, evoking memories and evoking a sense of home.
Cooking Steps
The cooking steps for this flavorful Lebanese dish are straightforward. First, you'll need to grab a large pot and add the olive oil. Bring the oil to a gentle heat over medium.
Next, toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Now, add the green beans to the pot. Stir them around to coat them in the olive oil, then pour in the water. Season with salt, pepper, and the cinnamon.
Cover the pot and let the beans simmer for 30-40 minutes, until they're nice and tender.
Towards the end of the cooking time, stir in the lemon juice. This brightens up the flavors and gives the dish a lovely zing.
Once the beans are cooked through, you're ready to serve! Spoon the loubieh bi zeit into bowls and enjoy its comforting, aromatic goodness.
Step 1. Trim and Rinse the Green Beans
Trim the green beans by snapping off the tough ends. You'll want to cut off those stringy bits at the top and bottom of each bean.
Once you've trimmed them all, give the green beans a good rinse under cool, running water. This will wash away any dirt or debris that may have been lingering on the surface.
After rinsing, pat the green beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. You want to make sure they're nice and dry before moving on to the next step.
Drying them off will help the beans cook evenly and prevent them from getting soggy.
With your trimmed and rinsed green beans ready to go, you're one step closer to enjoying a delicious Loubieh Bi Zeit dish! Just wait until you taste the wonderful flavors that are about to unfold.
Step 2. Sauté the Green Beans
With your trimmed and rinsed green beans ready, it's time to sauté them to perfection. In a large skillet or wok, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the green beans. You'll want to stir them frequently, ensuring they cook evenly and don't burn.
As the beans begin to sizzle, you'll notice they start to develop a lovely golden-brown color. Keep an eye on them, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent them from scorching.
This quick sauté process will help the beans become tender and infuse them with the rich, aromatic flavor of the olive oil.
After about 5-7 minutes, your green beans should be perfectly cooked – still with a satisfying crunch, but no longer raw.
Taste a few to make sure they're done to your liking, then remove the skillet from the heat. Your sautéed green beans are now ready to be dressed with your desired seasonings and served as a delightful side dish.
Step 3. Add Lemon Juice
Once the green beans have been sautéed to perfection, you'll want to add a few squeezes of lemon juice. This will instantly brighten up the dish and give it a nice, tangy kick.
Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor – the bottled stuff just won't do! Gently squeeze the lemon over the green beans, distributing the juice evenly. You'll start to see the bright green color of the beans really pop as the lemon juice mixes in.
The lemon juice will also help balance out the richness of the olive oil, creating a wonderfully refreshing and well-rounded flavor.
Feel free to add as much or as little lemon as you like, depending on your personal taste preferences. Just be sure to give the beans a good stir after adding the juice so everything is nicely coated.
With the lemon juice mixed in, your Loubieh Bi Zeit is now ready to serve and enjoy!
Step 4. Add Crushed Garlic
After sautéing the green beans to perfection, you'll want to add some crushed garlic to the mix.
Garlic is a powerhouse of flavor that'll really make your Loubieh Bi Zeit pop! Grab a few cloves of fresh garlic and give them a good crush with the flat of your knife. This will release all that aromatic goodness.
Toss the crushed garlic into the pan with the sautéed green beans and give everything a good stir. The garlic will sizzle and infuse the olive oil with its savory essence.
Let the flavors meld together for a minute or two, allowing the raw edge of the garlic to mellow out. You'll know it's ready when the kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma.
The combination of tender green beans and fragrant garlic is simply irresistible. Get ready for your taste buds to dance with joy!
Step 5. Simmer Until Beans Are Tender
Patience is key as you simmer the green beans until they reach the perfect tenderness. Gently lower the heat and let the beans cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes.
You'll know they're ready when they're soft and easily pierced with a fork. Don't rush this step – taking the time to let the beans slowly simmer will ensure they develop a wonderfully tender texture.
As the beans cook, the olive oil will infuse them with its rich, fruity flavor. The garlic you added earlier will also mellow and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Breathe in the aromatic steam – the blend of garlic, olive oil, and simmering beans is simply heavenly.
Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a splash of water if the pan looks dry. You want the beans to remain submerged in a light, flavorful broth.
Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. With patience and care, your Loubieh Bi Zeit will turn out perfectly cooked and bursting with taste.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the dish of Loubieh Bi Zeit offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can transport your taste buds on a culinary journey through the vibrant culinary landscape of the Levant region.
The combination of tender green beans simmered in olive oil, garlic, and spices creates a harmonious and comforting meal. What truly sets this dish apart is the way the flavors meld together, with the richness of the olive oil, the warmth of the garlic, and the subtle hint of spices all working in perfect harmony.
As you savor each bite, you'll be captivated by the way the soft, yielding beans contrast with the slightly crunchy texture of the sautéed onions.
It's a dish that invites you to slow down, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the pleasures of the table.
Whether enjoyed as a side or a main course, Loubieh Bi Zeit is a true gem that celebrates the simple yet exquisite flavors of the Levant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Green Beans Are Best for This Dish?
For this dish, you'll want to use fresh, crisp green beans that hold their shape well during cooking.
The best varieties are often called "snap" or "string" beans – they've a satisfying crunch and a bright, grassy flavor that pairs perfectly with the olive oil.
Look for beans that are firm, without any blemishes or discoloration.
With the right green beans, you'll create a delicious, healthy, and flavorful side dish the whole family will love!
Can I Substitute Fresh Tomatoes for Canned Ones?
You sure can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones!
Fresh tomatoes will give your dish a lovely, juicy texture and a bright, vibrant flavor. Just be sure to chop them up into small pieces so they'll cook down nicely.
The fresh tomatoes will add a delicious, summery twist to the dish. Go for it – fresh is best!
How Do I Adjust the Cooking Time for Larger Servings?
When making a larger serving, you'll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure your dish turns out perfect.
The general rule is to increase the cooking time by about 25% for every 50% increase in the amount of ingredients.
So, if you're doubling the recipe, you'll want to cook it about 25% longer.
Keep an eye on it and test for tenderness – the veggies should be nice and soft.
Adjust the time as needed to get it just right!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan by Omitting the Meat?
Sure, you can definitely make this recipe vegan by simply omitting the meat!
The dish will still be delicious and packed with flavor from the olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
In fact, leaving out the meat makes it even easier to prepare.
You'll save time and effort, and the result will be a tasty, plant-based meal that's perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike. For those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meat-based dishes, this plant-based meal is a great option. With the right combination of ingredients, you can mimic the flavors and textures of meat-based dishes, without the negative health and environmental impacts. Plus, you can easily adapt this meal to fit your preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion. And if you’re a fan of chicken livers recipe, you may be pleasantly surprised by how well this plant-based version can satisfy your cravings.
Give it a try – I bet you'll love the outcome!
Is It Possible to Freeze the Leftovers for Later Use?
Absolutely! You can definitely freeze the leftovers of this tasty dish for later.
Just let the veggies cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container or bag.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
The great thing is, frozen veggies stay fresh for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime.
Get ready to savor those flavors all over again!
Nadia brings the warmth and depth of Lebanese cuisine to Cook if Ya. From classic mezze spreads like hummus and tabbouleh to rich, flavorful mains like shawarma and kibbeh, her recipes offer a delicious journey through the flavors of Lebanon, emphasizing fresh herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients.
