Ingredients:

• 500 grams (about 1 pound) fresh string beans, washed and trimmed or frozen 

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced

• 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

• Add the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.

• If using tomato paste, add it to the skillet and stir well to incorporate.

• Add the string beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the onion, garlic, and tomato mixture.

• Sprinkle the cumin, salt, and black pepper over the beans and stir to combine.

• Cover the skillet and let the beans cook over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender but still retain a slight bite.

• Stir the beans occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking, and add a splash of water if needed.

• Once the beans are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the top. Give it a final stir.

• Transfer the Loubieh b Zeit to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

• Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, along with Lebanese bread or rice.

Enjoy your homemade Loubieh b Zeit!