Lebanese Green Bean Stew, traditionally known as Loubieh b Zeit (لوبية بالزيت), is a simple, comforting dish made with tender green beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil. It is one of those Lebanese dishes that proves you do not need a long list of ingredients to create something deeply flavorful.
Unlike meat-based stews, Loubieh b Zeit is naturally vegetarian and is traditionally cooked slowly until the green beans become tender and absorb the rich flavor of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it a wonderful dish for family meals, mezze spreads, and make-ahead lunches.
What Is Loubieh b Zeit?
The Arabic name Loubieh b Zeit literally refers to green beans cooked with oil. Loubieh means green beans, while b zeit means "with oil."
The dish belongs to the family of Lebanese zayt wa zaytoun preparations—vegetable dishes in which olive oil plays an important role in both cooking and flavor.
The traditional version is intentionally uncomplicated. Green beans are slowly cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes until the vegetables are soft and the sauce becomes concentrated.
The result is:
- Tender green beans
- Sweet and savory tomatoes
- Fragrant garlic
- Soft onions
- Rich extra-virgin olive oil
- A naturally concentrated tomato sauce
Lebanese Green Bean Stew Recipe
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
40–50 minutes
Total Time
About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
4–6
Cuisine
Lebanese / Middle Eastern
Course
Main dish, side dish, or mezze
Ingredients
For the Green Bean Stew
- 500 g fresh green beans
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5–6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ½ teaspoon paprika, optional
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
For Finishing
- 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Lebanese Green Bean Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water.
Trim both ends and cut the beans into pieces approximately 4–5 cm long.
If your beans are very mature and have tough strings, remove the strings before cutting.
Set the prepared beans aside.
Tip: Young, tender green beans work particularly well because they become soft without losing their pleasant texture.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil followed by the chopped onion.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The onion should become soft and translucent without becoming dark brown.
The goal here is to gently release the sweetness of the onion into the olive oil.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Add the chopped or crushed garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Garlic is one of the defining flavors of Loubieh b Zeit, so it is worth using a generous amount.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans
Add the prepared green beans to the pot.
Stir thoroughly so that the beans become coated with the onion, garlic, and olive oil.
Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
At this stage, the beans will begin to soften slightly.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon, if using
- Paprika, if using
Mix everything together.
The tomatoes will begin releasing their juices as they cook.
Step 6: Add Water and Simmer
Pour in about ½ cup of water.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Allow the green beans to cook slowly for approximately 30–40 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
You are looking for the beans to become very tender, while the tomatoes reduce into a thick, flavorful sauce.
The dish should not be watery.
The Secret to Good Loubieh b Zeit
The most important part of this recipe is slow cooking.
Do not rush the beans over high heat.
Traditional-style Loubieh b Zeit is not meant to have crisp green beans. The beans should become soft and absorb the flavors of the tomato, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
As the water evaporates, the tomato mixture becomes more concentrated.
If the beans are still firm but the pot has become dry, add a few tablespoons of water and continue cooking.
Step 7: Finish With Olive Oil
Once the green beans are completely tender, taste the stew.
Adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the finished dish.
For a little brightness, add a small amount of lemon juice.
Stir gently and turn off the heat.
Allow the stew to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How Lebanese Green Bean Stew Should Taste
A well-made Loubieh b Zeit should have a rich but clean flavor.
The green beans should be tender rather than crunchy.
The tomato sauce should be concentrated and slightly sweet.
The garlic should be noticeable without overpowering everything else.
And the olive oil should give the dish its characteristic richness.
If the stew tastes flat, it usually needs one of three things:
more salt, more garlic, or a little more olive oil.
A small squeeze of lemon can also bring the flavors together.
Should You Use Fresh or Canned Tomatoes?
Fresh ripe tomatoes are excellent when they are in season.
However, good-quality canned tomatoes can also be used.
For a more concentrated tomato flavor, use:
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes, or
- approximately 400 g crushed tomatoes.
If using canned tomatoes, you may need less water because canned tomatoes already contain plenty of liquid.
Can You Make It With Frozen Green Beans?
Yes.
Frozen green beans are a convenient alternative when fresh beans are unavailable.
There is no need to completely thaw them first.
Add the frozen beans directly to the pot, although you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
The final texture may be somewhat softer than when using fresh green beans, but the dish will still be delicious.
Lebanese Green Bean Stew With Potatoes
For a heartier variation, add potatoes.
Cut 1–2 medium potatoes into small cubes and add them along with the green beans.
The potatoes absorb the tomato and garlic sauce and turn this simple vegetable stew into a more substantial meal.
If you add potatoes, you may need a little additional water and cooking time.
Lebanese Green Bean Stew With Meat
Although Loubieh b Zeit traditionally refers to the olive-oil preparation, green beans are also commonly prepared in Lebanese cuisine with meat.
For a meat version, you can add:
- Beef cubes
- Lamb cubes
- Ground beef
Brown the meat with the onion before adding the garlic, tomatoes, and green beans.
The meat version becomes a richer, more substantial stew and can be served as a complete family meal.
What to Serve With Loubieh b Zeit
Lebanese Green Bean Stew is extremely versatile.
With Lebanese Bread
Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up the tomato sauce.
With Rice
Serve the stew over plain Lebanese-style rice or vermicelli rice for a more filling meal.
As Part of a Mezze
Loubieh b Zeit works beautifully alongside:
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Labneh
- Fattoush
- Tabbouleh
- Olives
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh pita bread
With Lemon
A little fresh lemon juice immediately before eating gives the dish a bright finish.
Can You Eat It Cold?
Absolutely.
One of the best things about Loubieh b Zeit is that it does not have to be served piping hot.
It can be served:
- Warm
- At room temperature
- Chilled
Many vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil develop even deeper flavors after resting.
For this reason, Loubieh b Zeit is also excellent as a make-ahead dish.
Storage
Allow the stew to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.
The flavors often become even more developed after a day in the refrigerator.
To serve warm, gently reheat it over low to medium heat.
If the stew has become too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water while reheating.
Can You Freeze Lebanese Green Bean Stew?
Yes, although the texture of the green beans may become softer after freezing.
Allow the stew to cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to approximately 2–3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Add a small drizzle of fresh olive oil before serving to revive the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Too Much Water
Loubieh b Zeit should be a thick vegetable stew rather than a watery soup.
Start with a small amount of water and add more only if necessary.
2. Cooking on High Heat
High heat can cause the tomatoes to stick or burn before the beans become tender.
Low, gentle cooking produces a much better result.
3. Burning the Garlic
Garlic burns quickly.
Add it after the onions have softened and cook it only briefly before adding the beans.
4. Keeping the Beans Too Crunchy
This dish is traditionally associated with tender, slowly cooked green beans.
Do not stop cooking simply because the beans are technically "done." Allow them to become soft and absorb the sauce.
5. Being Too Conservative With Olive Oil
Olive oil is an important part of the identity of Loubieh b Zeit.
It is not merely used to prevent sticking; it contributes substantially to the flavor and texture.
Recipe Tips for the Best Flavor
Use ripe tomatoes. Their natural sweetness makes a noticeable difference.
Use good olive oil. Since the recipe contains relatively few ingredients, the quality of the olive oil matters.
Do not rush the cooking. Slow cooking allows the beans to absorb the tomato and garlic flavors.
Let the stew rest. Even 10–15 minutes can improve the flavor.
Taste before serving. Salt and acidity are especially important in a simple vegetable dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lebanese Green Bean Stew vegetarian?
Yes. Traditional Loubieh b Zeit is a vegetarian dish made with green beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil.
Is Loubieh b Zeit vegan?
Yes, the traditional olive-oil version is naturally vegan.
Is it spicy?
Usually, no. Traditional Lebanese Loubieh b Zeit is not normally a hot or heavily spiced dish.
You can add chili flakes or fresh chili if you prefer some heat.
Can I use canned green beans?
You can, but fresh or frozen green beans generally provide a better texture. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time because they are already cooked.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, preparing it a few hours ahead can improve the flavor because the beans have more time to absorb the sauce.
Why is my stew watery?
The tomatoes may have released a lot of liquid, or too much water may have been added.
Remove the lid and simmer gently for several minutes until the excess liquid evaporates.
Why are my green beans still hard?
Continue cooking them over low heat. If the pot becomes dry, add a few tablespoons of water, cover, and continue simmering.
Lebanese Green Bean Stew Recipe at a Glance
Ingredients: Green beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
Preparation: Trim and cut the beans.
Base: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
Stew: Add green beans, tomatoes, tomato paste and seasoning.
Cook: Simmer slowly until the beans are very tender.
Finish: Adjust seasoning and drizzle with olive oil and optional lemon juice.
Serve: Warm, at room temperature, or chilled with Lebanese bread, rice, or as part of a mezze.
Final Thoughts
Lebanese Green Bean Stew, or Loubieh b Zeit, is a beautiful example of Lebanese home cooking: simple ingredients, slow cooking, and olive oil doing much of the work.
There is no complicated technique involved. The secret is patience.
Give the onions time to soften, let the garlic release its aroma, allow the tomatoes to cook down, and slowly simmer the green beans until they become tender and flavorful.
The finished dish is comforting, healthy, naturally vegan, and remarkably satisfying—a humble Lebanese recipe that works equally well as a side dish, light lunch, or part of a generous mezze table.
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