Fasoolia Bzait is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is not only healthy but so delicious to eat! It is so easy to make and great as a meal on its own or as a side dish with a main course. Fasoolia can be eaten warm or cold. I personally like it warm and scooped up with traditional Arabic bread (Flat bread) and a cucumber, garlic, mint yogurt concoction for dipping. For more delicious goodness, this dish is even better when accompanied with warm lemony lentil soup! But, I will save that recipe for another day! This is a quick and easy dish to make on any day!

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound greens ( or more, just double the recipe)
• 5-6 garlic cloves peeled
• 1 large  chopped onion
• 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tsp butter (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (or more for your taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth or just water ( adding either vegetable broth or chicken broth adds so much flavor. So, if you have it in your pantry then use it! You wont regret it).
• 8oz can Cento crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce- Optional
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• half lemon or 1 whole lemon

Directions:

1. Trim and wash the green beans. French cut them, cutting them into two-inch pieces. Then set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or pot on medium heat and add olive oil/butter
3. Add peeled garlic cloves leaving it whole, bay leaf, and chopped onions into the skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 8 – 10 minuets. (Optional- add 8oz can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. My favorite is Cento brand) cook another 5-8 min.
4. Add green beans, salt & pepper, stir and cook for 5 mins.
5. Add allspice, cumin, coriander, stir and close lid and cook another 5-6  min.
6. Add your choice of broth or water, stir and close lid and cook for 25-30 mins. Make sure to stir every now and then.
7. By now the liquid should be absorbed and the beans are well done, now is the time to check for salt and squeeze in half a lemon, parsley and cilantro. Stir well and cook uncovered 1-2 min.
8. Serve with flat bread or basmati rice and yogurt.

 

 

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup yogurt
• half of one seedless English cucumber
• Handful of chopped mint 
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Mix everything together and serve with green beans.

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