Green beans and tomatoes They make an exquisite marriage that we have already given a good account of on other occasions. On hot days we are hooked on the Greek recipe for fasolakia, but this preparation of Lebanese beans is more suitable for menus throughout the year, with a tasty spicy tomato sauce.
As we read in the source where we have known the dish, called loubieh bi zeit in the original, this simple recipe can be prepared with flat or round and thin beanswhich has been our choice, and is based on a tomato sauce with an intense flavor in which a generous amount of good extra virgin olive oil cannot be missing.
In the middle of the season of good ripe tomatoes, we can prepare them with fresh, peeled vegetables, but a good quality preserve of natural tomatoes, whole, also works magic in recipes of this type. With a large jar we can adapt on the fly the amount of tomato or liquid as we see that the pan asks for more or less chicha, and also to the taste of each one.
Wash and dry the green beans, cut off the ugly ends and cut each piece into two or three, depending on their size. peel and cut into fine julienne the shallot and mix all the spices in a bowl with freshly ground pepper to taste.
heat a good splash of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan or saucepan, over medium-low heat, and add the shallot with a pinch of salt. Leave a few minutes until it begins to soften and add the beans with the spices. Stir well for a couple of minutes.
Add almost all the tomatoes in the jar reserving one or two, and the juices. Crush to incorporate them, add a pinch more salt and sauté over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. Lightly cover with part of the water from the tomato preserve, bring to a boil, cover and lower the heat.
Let cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Correct the amount of tomato or liquid as requested, leaving the sauce more or less thick, to taste. When the beans are at the desired point, turn off the heat and serve hot with chopped parsley.
With what to accompany the Lebanese green beans
This aromatic dish green beans with tomato sauce It can be a healthy first or starter in smaller portions, or a single dish with white rice or couscous and some protein such as tofu, boiled egg or sautéed chickpeas. It will also work wonderfully as a garnish for some grilled or roasted meat, as well as fish.
In DAP | Salad of green beans, arugula, anchovies, cheese and crunchy almonds: a rich healthy recipe perfect for the Tupperware
In DAP | Green beans in butter: the recipe that brings out all the flavor of this vegetable