Loubieh bil Zeit
Green beans braised slowly in a garlicky tomato and olive oil sauce until perfectly silky — a dish that transforms humble vegetables into something quietly spectacular through patience and good olive oil.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 700 g green beans (flat romano or round), trimmed
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, sliced thin
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp seven spice
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tbsp preserved lemon peel, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a wide, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.
- Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, stir, and cook 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- Add the trimmed green beans and toss to coat in the tomato and onion mixture. Season with salt and seven spice.
- Pour in the water and stir. If using preserved lemon, add it now.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly and cook over low heat 25–30 minutes, checking occasionally and adding a splash of water if the pot threatens to dry out.
- The beans are done when completely tender and olive-drab in color — they should have no resistance when pressed. The sauce should be thick and clingy, not watery.
- Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes. Serve at room temperature with bread — loubieh bil zeit is best when not piping hot.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loubieh bil Zeit?
Green beans braised slowly in a garlicky tomato and olive oil sauce until perfectly silky — a dish that transforms humble vegetables into something quietly spectacular through patience and good olive oil.
Where is Loubieh bil Zeit from?
Loubieh bil Zeit comes from Lebanese South. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Loubieh bil Zeit vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Loubieh bil Zeit uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of seven spice in Loubieh bil Zeit?
The seven spice called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Loubieh bil Zeit its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Loubieh bil Zeit?
In a Lebanese mains spread, Loubieh bil Zeit is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Loubieh bil Zeit ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.