Green Beans and Olive Oil Saute – Loubieh Bi Zait Recipe

“Loubieh bi zait” which literally translates to “green beans in oil” is a typical Lebanese “villager” vegetarian dish.

In its simplest form, it’s nothing more than green beans sauteed with onions, olive oil, 7-spices and some salt. Don’t be surprised at the amount of olive oil in this recipe though, that’s how it really is and that is the whole point. But make sure to use only high quality extra virgin olive oil.

“Loubieh” for short, tastes its best when eaten at room temperature, or even the following day after an overnight stay in the fridge. It is usually eaten with pita bread, and sides of veggies including radish, green peppers, green onions, green mint and even white onions (after soaking them in water for a while to reduce their bite).

Loubieh Ingredients (4 servings)

3 lbs of green beans
3 medium onions (yellow or white)
2/3rd cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 to 2 teaspoons of Lebanese 7-spices
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Preparation Method

1. Rinse the green beans well then cut off the stems (about 1/3rd of an inch from each side). You could break the stems away with your nails or with a knife.
2. Finely chop the onions then saute them in olive oil in a deep pot on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they start turning pinkish.
3. At which time add the green beans, add the salt and half of the 7-spices, mix very well to make sure the olive oil and onions covers all the beans, cover the pot well, lower the heat and let simmer for 45-55 minutes while stirring and mixing every 5-10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, the green beans will turn into a dark “olive” color. Add the remaining 7-spices at the end and mix well with the beans before serving.
5. Serve hot or cold (taste much better) with pita bread and a side of veggies like radish, bell peppers or green onions.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)|
Cooking time: 70 minute(s)
Diet type: Vegetarian
Number of servings (yield): 4
Culinary tradition: Middle Eastern

Source: Mama’s Lebanese Kitchen.