Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, fresh or frozen
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Add the green beans, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and diced tomatoes with their juices to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and infused with spices.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the Lebanese green beans warm, served over rice or quinoa, accompanied by pita bread and yogurt for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add meat (such as ground lamb or beef) after sautéing the garlic and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen green beans can be used as a convenient alternative.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Serve with a side of plain yogurt or labneh to balance the spices.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity based on your preference for warmth and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese