Mediterranean Healthy Lebanese Green Beans Stew with Lime Rice
A classic Lebanese home-style dish, Loubieh bil Zeit is a light, olive-oil–based green bean and tomato stew—naturally vegan, non-spicy, heart-healthy, and perfect for a Mediterranean lifestyle. Paired with fragrant lime rice, it becomes a nourishing, balanced meal.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
Ingredients
Lebanese Green Beans Stew
500 g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in halves
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1 cup crushed tomatoes)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
¾ cup warm water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lime Rice
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lime
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
1. Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden (6–8 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until thick and jammy (5 minutes).
5. Add green beans, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Toss well.
6. Pour in warm water or broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until beans are tender and sauce is rich.
7. Finish with lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 2: Make the Lime Rice
1. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring water, olive oil, and salt to a boil.
3. Add rice, cover, and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes.
4. Turn off heat, fluff with a fork, then gently mix in lime zest and lime juice.
🍽️ How to Serve
Spoon the green beans stew generously over lime rice
Drizzle with extra olive oil
Serve with:
Cucumber & yogurt salad
Fresh tomato salad
Warm whole-wheat pita
💡 Tips & Variations
Non-spicy: This dish is traditionally mild—perfect for your preference
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or white beans in the last 10 minutes
Optional: Add lean beef cubes for a non-vegan version
Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Is this dish healthy for weight loss?
Yes! It’s high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and rich in antioxidants.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely—no need to thaw, just add 5 extra minutes of cooking.
Is lime traditional?
Lemon is traditional; lime is a fresh Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with rice.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 14 g (mostly healthy olive oil fats)
Fiber: 10 g
Vitamins: A, C, K, Lycopene