Middle Eastern Green Bean Stew, or Loubieh bi Zeit, is a beloved Lebanese dish featuring green beans simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce infused with olive oil and warm spices. Served with fragrant vermicelli rice, it’s a wholesome, comforting, and satisfying vegan meal that’s both simple to make and deeply flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A wholesome and hearty plant-based meal
• Packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavors
• Ideal for both weeknight dinners and mezze platters
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (with olive oil in the rice)
• Great for meal prep and even better the next day
• Easy to make with pantry staples and seasonal produce

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stew:
green beans, trimmed and halved
olive oil
onion, chopped
garlic cloves, minced
ripe tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes)
tomato paste
ground cinnamon
salt and pepper
water

For the Vermicelli Rice:
basmati rice, rinsed
vermicelli noodles
olive oil or butter
water
salt

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
3. Stir in tomato paste, then add chopped tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the trimmed green beans, stir, and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the stew has thickened.
5. While the stew simmers, prepare the vermicelli rice. In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the vermicelli noodles and stir until golden brown.
6. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir to combine. Pour in the water and add salt. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Serve the green bean stew alongside the vermicelli rice. Garnish with lemon slices or a side of fresh vegetables if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use canned green beans for a quicker version (reduce cooking time)
• Add chickpeas or lentils to the stew for added protein
• Serve cold as part of a mezze table, especially in summer
• Use ghee or clarified butter in place of olive oil for richer rice flavor
• Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the stew for brightness

Storage/Reheating

Store the green bean stew and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
This dish can also be frozen (especially the stew) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What does “Loubieh bi Zeit” mean?

It means “green beans in oil” in Arabic, referring to the generous use of olive oil in the dish.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, they work well. No need to thaw—just add them directly to the simmering tomato mixture.

Is this dish traditionally served hot or cold?

It can be served both ways. It’s commonly eaten at room temperature or cold as part of a mezze spread.

Can I make the rice without vermicelli?

Yes, simple basmati rice or even bulgur wheat can be used as an alternative.

What protein can I add for a more filling meal?

Chickpeas, lentils, or grilled meat on the side make excellent additions.

Is cinnamon essential?

Yes, it adds a subtle warmth typical of Lebanese stews, but you can omit or reduce it to taste.

What type of tomatoes are best?

Fresh ripe tomatoes work beautifully in summer, but canned diced tomatoes are convenient and flavorful year-round.

How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and measure water carefully.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple salad, pickled vegetables, or plain yogurt complement it nicely.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of chopped tomatoes?

Yes, about 1 cup of tomato sauce can replace the chopped tomatoes and paste combination.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern Green Bean Stew (Loubieh bi Zeit) with Vermicelli Rice is a comforting and nourishing dish rooted in tradition. With tender green beans, rich tomato flavor, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a humble yet flavorful meal that satisfies. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, it’s a versatile and timeless recipe that brings the warmth of the Levant to your kitchen.

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