Description
This Lebanese-inspired green bean stew combines fresh green beans, tomatoes, almonds, and chickpeas simmered in a fragrant and lightly spiced tomato base. The stew is comforting, nutritious, and bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, making it a perfect healthy entree.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Legumes
- 12 ounces fresh green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (14 ounce/400 gram) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for serving
- ½ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to brown and caramelize, developing a sweet, rich flavor.
- Add Garlic and Cumin: Increase the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant to enhance the stew’s aroma.
- Add Liquids and Main Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Then add the green beans, chickpeas, and slivered almonds. Increase heat to high to bring the stew to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the green beans just start to soften.
- Uncover and Reduce: Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and the sauce thickens. If the stew becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- Season and Serve: Take the pot off the heat, season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Divide the stew into bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Simmer the stew longer if you prefer your green beans very tender, or less time if you like them with a bit more bite.
- You can add water during simmering to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Slivered almonds add a nice texture and nuttiness that complements the beans and chickpeas.
