• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based Folk
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » Vegan Lebanese Recipes

Loubieh Bi Zeit

Published: Nov 29, 2024 by Janelle Hama *This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

564 shares
Jump to Recipe

Loubieh bi Zeit, beloved Lebanese green beans, are a classic dish featuring flavorful and tender green beans gently braised in a pot on the stovetop.

two white plates and a pot of loubieh
Lebanese green beans braised in a tomatoes and olive oil

Are you looking for a new way to cook your green beans? I highly recommend trying Lebanese green beans. They are so flavorful that we often enjoy them wrapped in pita bread, accompanied by a side salad, or as part of a larger selection of small dishes known as mezze. They also make a great side dish.

It's important to note that there are many "bi zeit" (in oil) dishes in Lebanese cuisine. For example, there's foul akhdar bil zeit, made with fresh broad beans, and hindeh bi zeit, made with dandelion greens or similar greens. These are among some my favorite dishes.

You can find many delicious Lebanese bean recipes, such a kidney bean stew and black eyed beans with greens, which are perfect for lunch or dinner.

If you explore my vegan Lebanese cooking category, I'm sure you'll discover a new recipe to try!

What is Loubieh In English?

"Loubieh" translates to "beans" in English, and "bi zeit" means "in oil." The dish "Loubieh bi zeit" (also spelled as "lubia bzeit" or "loubia bil zeit") is pronounced "loo-bee-yeh bee zay-teh."

In various Middle Eastern countries, Loubieh may also be referred to as "lubia" or "loubia." This particular recipe is my family's traditional Lebanese version, and there are several variations of it.

Key Ingredients

green beans, onion, tomato, oil, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic on a white bench

The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

When I make this dish, I always start with fresh, high-quality green beans, also known as string beans, because they’re the star ingredient. Sometimes, I like to mix it up with flat green beans (romano beans), snake beans (asparagus beans), or runner beans, avoid using dry beans for this recipe.

First, I trim off the stalk tips and then snap or cut the beans into bite-sized pieces. I usually snap them into 3-4 small segments, about an inch to an inch and a half long (3-4 cm).

Ripe, fresh tomatoes are another essential ingredient; I dice them small and add them to the base sauce. They bring in a wonderful flavor and a bit of acidity that really enhances the overall dish.

Onions are also key to the flavor profile – I use either white or brown onions, dicing them up finely. Fresh garlic cloves are crucial too; I love to add plenty of garlic. I sometimes crush it or slice it thinly, depending on my mood.

For oil, the classic recipe calls for a generous amount, which is why it’s called bi zeit or bzeit, meaning “in oil.” While I typically use olive oil, I sometimes switch it up with avocado oil because of its high smoke point. I prefer to leave out vegetable oil altogether. To make the dish a bit health-ier, I’ve reduced the amount of oil in this recipe, but you can always add more if you prefer, as it is a big part of the dish!

Optional Ingredients

You can add a touch of either Lebanese 7 spice mix, ground allspice, or ground cinnamon for extra flavor. However, I prefer to leave these spices out because the natural flavors of the beans are truly delicious after being braised. The beans have a mild sweetness, and their taste is enhanced by the addition of salt.

When serving loubieh bi zeit, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. Personally, I choose to omit this as well.

braised green beans in a pot with a red spoon

How To Make Loubieh Bi Zeit 

Caramelize the Onions  

Start by heating the oil (zeit) in a large pot over medium-high heat; a Dutch oven works great for this recipe. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. The golden color indicates they have caramelized just enough, enhancing their natural sweetness, which is crucial for the overall flavor of this dish. Make sure to give this step the attention it deserves.

Braise The Green Beans  

Once the onions are ready, add the bite-sized pieces of green beans, diced tomatoes, and crushed garlic. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the oil and onion mixture, allowing for an even distribution of flavors.

Season  

Next, it's time to season. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using), then pour in some water. Stir everything together to combine. The water helps prevent the fresh beans from sticking to the pot while also tenderizing them. Keep in mind that most of the water will be reabsorbed during cooking.

Braise Until Tender  

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it braise for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture every five minutes for even cooking. The loubieh bi zeit should become completely tender and flavorful.

Serve cold or warm with pita bread. This dish is traditionally served cold, but it’s just as delicious warm!

caramelizing onion then adding pieces of green beans, diced tomato and seasoning in a pot to make loubieh bi zeit

Janelle's Tips

The last 10 minutes of cooking Lebanese green beans are crucial. Check the bottom of the pot to ensure there is enough liquid. If necessary, add a ¼ cup of water or more as needed to prevent the beans from drying out. Adjust the salt if needed.

Keep in mind that stoves can vary; I use a gas stove, which typically cooks faster than an electric one. I usually turn off the burner at the 25-minute mark.

Storage

Once the loubieh bi zeit has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days. This meal is even more delicious as leftovers, as the flavors have melded together further.

a line of loubieh bi zeit laid on Lebanese bread with a hand holding it

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk  on social media.

Recipe

two white plates and a pot of loubieh

Loubieh Bi Zeit

Loubieh bi Zeit, beloved Lebanese green beans, are a classic dish featuring flavorful and tender green beans gently braised in a pot on the stovetop.
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Saved Recipe
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Lebanese
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

  • 2¼ pounds Fresh green beans trimmed and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil sub avocado oil
  • 1 medium Onion diced small
  • 2 large cloves Garlic crushed
  • 1 medium-large Tomato diced small
  • 1 ¼ cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika optional
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper cracked
Metric - US Customary
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Over medium-high heat, heat the oil (zeit) in a large pot. Add the diced onion, and fry until slightly golden, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Add beans (loubia), tomato and garlic. Stir through ensuring everything is coated in oil. Add salt, pepper and paprika (optional), add water. Stir everything through.
  • Adjust the hob to low heat. Cover the pot with a lid and braise for 25-30 minutes. Stirring every five minutes. Serve cold or warm.

Video


Notes

For tips see the above article.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 913IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.


Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider supporting my work for the cost of a cup of coffee.

More Vegan Lebanese Recipes

  • cucumber yogurt salad in a brown plate
    Lebanese Cucumber Yogurt Salad
  • baklawa syrup in a glass bottle
    Baklawa Syrup
  • a white bowl filled with leafy greens, lentils and potato soup
    Adas bi Hamod
  • Lebanese rice pudding riz bi haleeb with pistachio
    Lebanese Rice Pudding
564 shares

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 60 votes (52 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Frida

    July 22, 2022 at 5:47 am

    5 stars
    Such a delicious side dish making the most of fresh green beans when you’re bored of boiling them!

    Reply
  2. Ariana

    July 20, 2022 at 3:48 am

    5 stars
    This is amazing! I never beans could taste like I love that you can make it ahead! I am always looking for delicious recipes I can prepare ahead of time! Thanks for this yummy one!

    Reply
  3. Lina

    July 13, 2022 at 8:28 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I remember making something like this years ago and then I lost the recipe. Thanks so much for reminding me. I can't wait until our beans are ready in the garden to make this. My husband is going to love it!

    Reply
  4. Nathalie

    July 06, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    5 stars
    These green beans combined with rice are delicious. So healthy and simple to prepare, thank you!

    Reply
  5. Toni

    April 05, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    Such a perfect side dish!

    Reply
  6. Marwan

    February 02, 2022 at 1:18 pm

    5 stars
    Atyab recette Loubia libanaise. 👍👍👍👍

    Reply
  7. Cory

    September 01, 2020 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner and mixed it with rice like you do. it was great, light and I felt healthy. keep putting up the vegan Lebanese food please

    Reply
  8. Michael

    July 17, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    This dish is originaly a Lebanese dish and it is not an arab dish it is Lebanese .. and you should not eat rice with it .. the one that you should have rice with it is Green beans with meat and it have only one common thing with this dish only the they both have beans in it 🙂

    Reply
    • plantbasedfolk

      July 22, 2020 at 10:47 am

      Calm down Michael, Lebanese people are Arabs. You have missed the whole point; this is a plant based recipe and doesn't include meat to accomodate for those who avoid animal products. My family loves it this way and we are of Lebanese and Armenian heritage. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        July 06, 2022 at 11:53 pm

        I love green bean recipes, I am new to trying anything Lebanese. I am happy to have found this delicious recipe.

        Reply
    • Shona

      October 16, 2023 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      this recipe was just as delicious as the photos look. Michael you need to relax, what law is broken if people want to eat it with rice. Who cares, I'm going to eat it with bananas just to make you relax more. Oh and she did mention it is a Lebanese recipe from her Lebanese family, or perhaps your eyes were bulging from your head whilst you were fuming over the rice and you missed that detail too.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

a female brunette throwing a lemon

Hello, I'm Janelle!

A culinary enthusiast with a keen interest in creating delicious vegan Lebanese recipes.

Let's cook together!

More about me →

Recipes Not to Miss

  • a bowl of chopped mushroom salad
    Easy Raw Mushroom Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
  • a red casserole pot with okra stew
    Bamia (Okra Stew Without Meat)
  • fingers holding a brown chocolate balls
    Chocolate Bliss Balls Without Dates
  • a stack of vegan corn fritters
    Easy 4-Ingredient Corn Fritters (Vegan)

Free e Cookbook

I'm sharing 5 top recipes from my family's cookbook, get it delivered to your inbox. Sign up →

an ipad showing a cookbook cover

As Featured On

various logos where Plant Based Folk has been featured

Footer

^ back to top

About

Accessibility Policy
Blog
Cookies Policy
Disclosure
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy (GDPR)
Terms of Use

Newsletter + Links

Sign Up! for emails and updates
Web stories
Vegan Lebanese Recipes
Shop Kitchen Essentials

Contact

Contact
Work with me
Social media
Advertise

Copyright © 2025 Plant Based Folk

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.