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Middle Eastern Green Bean Stew (Fasolia bi Lahme)

This hearty stew combines tender pieces of meat with vibrant green beans, all enveloped in a savory tomato-based sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot

Ingredients
  

Meat

  • 6 pieces bone-in beef or lamb or stewing beef

Vegetables

  • 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions 1 left whole, and 1 chopped

Spices

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 medium bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon baharat

Thickening Agents

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3-5 cloves garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bone-in beef or lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.
  • Step 2: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste, mixing it thoroughly with the onion mixture.
  • Step 4: Return the browned meat to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, baharat, and the whole onion. Toss everything together so the meat is well-coated with the tomato-flour mixture. Add the bay leaf.
  • Step 5: Pour in enough water to cover the meat completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Step 6: Once the meat is tender, add the green beans and stir them into the stew. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, until the green beans are cooked but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
  • Step 7: Taste the stew and adjust any seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Remove the whole onion and bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality beef or lamb that has good marbling for extra flavor. Fresh green beans provide a better texture and taste compared to canned or frozen.
Keyword Comfort Food