Delicious Lebanese String Beans: A Classic Recipe
Gather around, folks! I’ve got a recipe that is sure to make your taste buds sing with joy. Today, I’m bringing to you a traditional Lebanese dish that is close to my heart – Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh, also known as Lebanese String Beans and Cilantro stew.
Lebanese cuisine is an absolute feast for the senses, and this dish is no exception. The aromatic blend of olive oil, garlic, and cilantro combined with the tender crunch of green beans creates a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Beirut.
But wait, there’s more! Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also packed full of nutritional goodness. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, while cilantro is brimming with antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
So whether you’re looking for a delicious meal to share with loved ones or want to stock up on some much-needed nutrients, this Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh recipe is perfect for you. Keep reading to discover how to create this mouth-watering dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you about this recipe – Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh. Oh boy, it’s a game-changer! As soon as you try it, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Firstly, let’s talk about the star of the show – the Lebanese green beans. They’re crisp and tender, and when cooked with olive oil and garlic, they become infused with flavor that is just hard to resist. Trust me; a single bite is all it takes to transport you to the bustling streets of Lebanon.
What makes this dish even better are the aromatic herbs like cilantro and onion powder that turn it into an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The dish becomes even more balanced with just the right amount of salt and pepper added to taste.
Now picture yourself basking in the warmth of Middle Eastern cuisine, surrounded by rich etched artifacts wall frames full of ancient culture, taking in the aromas of this delicious dish bubbling away on your stove. That’s how it smells and feels like.
But wait! It doesn’t end there! This recipe is versatile enough to fit perfectly into any meal plan since it’s vegan-friendly but at the same time allows room for flexibility if opting for meat lovers by adding fasolia bi lahme which is stewed beans flavored with lamb or beef. You can enjoy it as your main course or have it on its own like a light lunch or dinner.
What’s more? It’s a traditional Lebanese dish that comes together in no time! So don’t compromise quality for speed while cooking when you can have both qualities in one recipe.
So why should you love this Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh recipe? Because not only does it tick all the boxes for flavorful dishes, but it also adds diversity to your meals while being both healthy and satisfying. Trust me, once you take your first bite, there will be no going back!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh, a delicious Lebanese dish that combines string beans, cilantro, and other flavorful ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, as substitutions are welcomed, as I’ll teach you in another section.
Main Ingredients:
- String beans: This recipe calls for fresh green beans or string beans. Make sure to clean and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fragrant herbaceous flavor to the dish. Be generous with the cilantro amount.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves add an unforgettable aroma and depth of flavor to the stew.
- Onion powder: Onion powder provides a subtle yet distinctive onion flavor without adding any texture to the dish. If you don’t have this on hand, use finely chopped onions instead.
- Salt and pepper: Add these two staples to enhance the taste of your dish.
Other Ingredients:
- Olive oil: Used as the primary oil for cooking in this recipe. Alternatively, any other vegetable oil can be used.
- Tomato sauce: The tomato sauce adds tanginess and thickness; canned tomato sauce works best in this recipe.
Now that you have a comprehensive list of ingredients, let’s see why this recipe is worth trying!
The Recipe How-To
Now, the exciting part begins. Let me show you how to make this traditional Lebanese dish. This Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh (Lebanese String Beans + Cilantro) is straightforward to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add onions and cook until they soften for about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
- Stir in onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add canned tomato sauce and bring it to boil.
- Add the trimmed string beans to the tomato sauce mixture and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, let it cook for 30 minutes or until the string beans are tender.
- Uncover the pot and let it cook for an additional five minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Turn off heat; add freshly chopped cilantro and give it a gentle toss.
Substitutions and Variations:
You can substitute string beans with Fasolia bi lahme (green bean stew with meat), which is a traditional Lebanese meal that contains lamb or beef cubes cooked with green beans in tomato sauce.
Serving and Pairing:
This dish traditionally served on top of white rice or with warm pita bread on the side.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating:
The refrigerator-safe dish can be made ahead of time – up to three days – cooled, covered, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve alongside hot steamed rice or bread.
Tips for Perfect Results:
Tip #1: Make sure to trim both ends of your green beans before you start cooking them.
Tip #2: To lock in all that delicious savoury flavour – resist lifting the cover and peeking at your simmering stew too often.
Tip #3: If preparing this recipe ahead, do not add cilantro if you intend to refrigerate leftovers; add fresh chopped cilantro right before serving.
FAQ:
Should I use fresh or frozen green beans?
Fresh is always best when it comes to green beans recipe like this one as they tend to stay crisper than frozen ones; however, if frozen is what’s readily available in your pantry – go ahead – no one will know!
Enjoy your delicious Loubieh B
Substitutions and Variations
Well, well, well, it’s me again with some more delightful tidbits for you to savor! If you’re anything like me, and I bet you are, you always love to switch things up when it comes to cooking. So, here are some substitutions and variations that will really make this traditional Lebanese dish your own.
First off, if you don’t have cilantro on hand or don’t particularly care for it (blasphemy, I tell you!), you can substitute parsley instead. It won’t have the same unique flavor profile but it will still give some freshness to the dish.
Additionally, while I used string beans in this recipe, you can also try using yellow wax beans or even asparagus if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix up the veggies in your green bean stew!
Now, let’s talk meat. This recipe can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the meat but if you want to keep it hearty, you can use chicken or beef instead of lamb. Just remember that the cook times may vary depending on which protein you choose.
Another variation is adding tomato sauce to the stew for a different spin. This is a common addition in other versions of loubieh bi zeit so if your taste buds are curious, give it a shot!
And finally, serving suggestion alert: instead of rice (a traditional Middle Eastern side), try serving alongside fasolia bi lahme (a Lebanese white bean and meat stew) for an extra dose of coziness.
There ya have it folks! Some substitutions and variations that will take this already fantastic loubia recipe to new heights of culinary wonderment. Go forth and experiment!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing completes a traditional Lebanese meal like Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh. This bean stew is the ideal side dish to serve with your main course or as a standalone vegetarian entrée.
To fully enjoy this dish, I recommend pairing it with freshly cooked rice or some crusty bread, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the richly flavored tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion powder and seasoned with salt and pepper. The soft yet tender texture of the green beans which have been simmered to perfection in olive oil together with an aromatic blend of cilantro and kizbar (coriander) make for a harmonious and delightful combination of flavors that makes the dish truly unforgettable.
Furthermore, I suggest serving this traditional Lebanese dish alongside other Middle Eastern favorites like Fasolia Bi Lahme (Green Bean and Beef Stew) or Batata Harra (spicy roasted potatoes) for an authentic and delicious feast that will leave guests both satisfied and full of praise.
Whether it’s as a side dish, main course, or party favorite, Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh is a versatile dish that’s sure to fit any occasion. So go ahead and whip up a delicious pot of this flavorful bean stew to truly enhance your next meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve savored every last bite of the Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh Lebanese string bean + cilantro recipe, you may be wondering how to store and reheat any leftovers. Thankfully, this dish reheats beautifully!
If you have any leftover stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the dish, gently warm it in a pot over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water if you find that the beans have absorbed too much liquid.
Alternatively, a batch of this Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh recipe can be made-ahead and stored in the freezer for later consumption. Freeze the cooled stew in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the stovetop method mentioned above.
I must warn you, though; this dish is so scrumptious that leftovers may not even be an option! However, if there happens to be some left, all you have to worry about is reheating it correctly because the flavors will remain perfectly intact.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some tips and tricks that will ensure you get perfectly cooked Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh every time. As a Lebanese chef, I have a few secrets up my sleeve that I’m excited to share with you.
Firstly, make sure you don’t overcook the green beans. The key is to blanch them in boiling water for no more than 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Avoid leaving them in the hot water for too long as they will turn soggy and lose their vibrant color and texture.
Another secret to perfect loubieh bi zeit is to use high-quality olive oil. Good-quality oil makes all the difference in taste and adds a rich depth of flavor to the stew. You can also enhance the flavor by sauteing some garlic and onion powder when cooking the green beans.
Cilantro is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, so it’s essential to use fresh cilantro leaves instead of dried ones. Dried cilantro won’t give the same taste and fragrance as fresh ones, which might affect the overall flavor of the dish.
To make the dish even more luscious, you can substitute tomato paste for tomato sauce. This alternative gives the dish a thicker texture and a tangier flavor that complements both green beans and cilantro.
Lastly, timing is everything when it comes to serving this dish. I suggest serving it hot once it’s done cooking , and garnishing it with fresh cilantro or chopped parsley leaves for an extra pop of freshness. This dish is best enjoyed with warm toasted bread or basmati rice.
With these tips at hand, you’re now ready to impress your guests with a traditional Lebanese green bean stew like no other!
FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over the details of this delicious Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh recipe, you may have some questions or concerns before trying it out for yourself. In this section, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you prepare and cook this Lebanese dish with ease. So, let’s dive into those FAQs!
How to spice up canned string beans?
To prepare the green beans, start by draining out around half of the liquid from the can. Next, transfer both the green beans and the remaining half of the canning liquid into a skillet. Add butter, along with a sprinkle of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the mixture simmer on medium heat while occasionally giving it a stir, until most of the cooking liquid has evaporated, leaving you with tender and flavorful green beans.
What is the best seasoning for can string beans?
Want to add some extra flavor to your green beans? Look no further than garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. These simple but potent additions will make your green beans taste incredible and perfectly seasoned.
How to cook stringy green beans?
To start with, prepare a medium saucepan and fill it up to two-thirds of its capacity with water. Next, add a tablespoon of kosher salt and set it to boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, it’s time to put the green beans in. Gently stir the beans until the water returns to boiling. It typically takes about 4 to 4 ½ minutes to cook the green beans until they’re ready to be eaten; however, make sure not to overcook them as they shouldn’t turn too mushy!
Should I soak string beans before cooking?
If you’re wondering whether to soak fresh green beans before cooking them, you can skip that step. However, to make them soft and tender, it’s recommended to blanch them in boiling water that has been seasoned with salt.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a delicious and healthy dish that is bursting with flavor, then look no further than Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh – Lebanese String Beans + Cilantro Recipe. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and green beans, it is a traditional Lebanese dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
By following these step-by-step instructions and incorporating some of the tips and variations mentioned, you can make this dish even more personalized and enjoyable. So why not give it a try? Impress your family and friends with your newfound cooking skills, while delighting in the delicious tastes of Middle Eastern cuisine. Remember to store any leftovers properly for future enjoyment!
Loubieh Bizeit + Kizbarh - Lebanese String Beans + Cilantro Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh string bean (top & tailed & de-strung)
- 1 cup white onion, finely chopped (or grated)
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 -2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/3 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Saute the onions until they are a very pale golden colour.
- Add the beans, cilantro, garlic & the salt. Stir, then cook on a medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat & cook on a low simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve at room temperature.