New Segment: Copycat Recipes, #1- Loubieh (Easy Tomato Green Beans)

I have decided to add another new feature to my blog called copycat recipes. Often, when I try a great dish at a restaurant or while traveling, I make it my mission to re-create it at home. This section will feature some of my best copycat recipes and the stories behind them as well. First up- Loubieh, this is a traditional Lebanese sauté of green beans. I discovered this yummy dish by choosing it as one of the sides when we ordered take out one night from our FAV local Mediterranean restaurant, Gaby’s. I had never heard of this dish before, but I love green beans and tomato sauce, so the combo sounded like a winner and it was! I had to re-create it at home so we could have it more often, especially since my young daughter eats it all up too. The trick it to get larger green beans and to make sure you simmer them for a while to be nice and soft.

Ingredients:

4 cups green beans (large, wide, flat types work best) fresh or frozen thawed
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
One 15 ounce canned tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook greens beans al dente (just before done) by boiling in a pot of water for 7-10 minutes or steam in a microwave dish with in a small amount of water for 5 minutes, then drain. Meanwhile add the teaspoon of olive oil, onions and garlic to a large pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes on medium high heat until lightly browned. Add the canned tomatoes, paprika, the cooked green beans, (salt and pepper if desired), cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes. Makes 5 cups 10 servings

'Serving size 1/2 cup Calories 45 Protein 2 g Carb 8 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 3 g Fat 0.5 g Saturated Fat 0 g
Sodium 70 mg (not including adding salt)