Green Beans & Beef Stew (Lubiya bi Lahme)

This Green Beans and Beef Stew, also known as Lubiya bi Lahme, is a comforting, hearty dish rooted in simple, traditional flavors. Tender beef simmers with green beans, tomatoes, warm spices, garlic, and cilantro to create a rich, deeply flavorful stew finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s a nourishing, satisfying meal that’s perfect served over Lebanese vermicelli rice for a cozy, home-style dinner.

Ingredients:
Fresh or frozen green beans (if fresh, trimmed and washed)
Olive oil
2 small onions or 1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lb chuck roast or stew beef, cut into chunks
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
3–4 cups beef broth, vegetable broth, or water
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp allspice
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp Ceylon cinnamon
Juice of 1 lemon

Directions:
1. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until golden and lightly caramelized.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and cook for another 1 minute.
4. Add the beef chunks along with the seasonings. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, adding more olive oil if needed.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth or water. Mix well and adjust salt if needed.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then add the green beans. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the beef is cooked through.
7. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
8. Serve warm with Lebanese vermicelli rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and a light dusting of cayenne pepper, if desired.

Lebanese Vermicelli Rice:
1. Heat olive oil in a pot and add the vermicelli noodles. Sauté until deep golden brown.
2. Add the washed rice, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir and toast for a few minutes.
3. Add the required amount of water for the rice you’re using. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork and serve. Enjoy!