Green bean (loubieh) dishes are very popular in the Middle East. This one, which can be prepared with or without meat, is delicious and very easy. It can be served with or over rice. We really enjoyed it.
I made one major change to the recipe - I doubled the amount of lamb from 1/2 lb to 1 lb. A Palestinian version from my mother's recipe book replaces the cumin and cinnamon with 1/2 tsp allspice. That recipe also uses butter instead of olive oil.
I found this recipe at http://www.acedarspoon.com/lebanese-green-beans-lubee/. It is worth reading the whole article at the foregoing web page.
A popular name for the dish is Loubieh bi Zeit - green beans in olive oil.
Ingredients
1 lb green beans, fresh or frozen (I used fresh and cut them into bite-size pieces prior to cooking.)
1 & 1/2 cups onion, sliced
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 can diced tomatoes (I used a 14 oz. can)
pepper to taste
(I also added salt)
Optional 1/2 lb stew meat or diced ham (I used 1 lb of cubed lamb)
A separate side of rice can be added if desired. Alternatively, it can be served over rice.
Instructions
1. Lightly brown onions and garlic in the oil in a stock pot. If meat is used, add the meat at the same time and cook until browned on all sides.)
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer slowly until the green beans (and meat if used) are tender - about 40-45 minutes. Stir a couple of times.
3. Check taste. Add more spices if desired.
4. Serve warm.
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