Lebanese Loubieh Bi Zeit Green Beans

Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. You can leave them whole or snap them in half, depending on your preference.

Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces.

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, but not browned.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes with their juice), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add the prepared green beans and water to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the beans are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25-35 minutes, or until the green beans are very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita bread or rice.