Zesty Lebanese Green Bean Stew Recipe

The warm aroma of cinnamon and allspice filling the kitchen instantly makes me feel at home.

I make this Lebanese Green Bean Stew whenever I need a healthy meal that tastes like it took hours but actually comes together easily.

What Makes This Lebanese Green Bean Stew So Special

This dish transforms simple pantry staples like frozen green beans and canned tomatoes into a deeply flavorful dinner.

You can cook the entire meal in a single pot, which means cleanup is practically effortless.

The leftovers taste even better the next day as the spices continue to meld with the tender chicken.

If you enjoyed this hearty meal, you will definitely want to try my Savory French Onion Soup for another cozy bowl. Fans of comfort food also love the rich flavors in my Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe.

Everything You Need for Perfect Lebanese Green Bean Stew

Here are the fresh and pantry ingredients you will need to prepare this dish:

• Chicken Breast: Lean poultry that cooks directly in the sauce to absorb maximum flavor.
• Frozen Green Beans: I prefer “cut” or “short” green beans for easier eating, and they hold up well in the stew without getting mushy.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides the chunky texture and acidic base for the broth.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth, richness, and thickens the stew beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and carry the flavor of the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a necessary brightness and authentic herbal note to the base.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the savory foundation of the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a gentle background heat that wakes up the palate.
• Water: Thins the tomato mixture into a proper broth consistency.
• 7 Spice Blend: A warm mixture usually containing allspice, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg that defines the dish’s character.
• Bay Leaves: Infuses the broth with a subtle earthy aroma while simmering.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.

My Method for Lebanese Green Bean Stew

Let’s get cooking with this simple one-pot technique:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the hot oil. Sauté these aromatics together for about one minute until the garlic is golden and the smell is incredibly fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking it with the cilantro mixture for another minute. This step is crucial because frying the tomato paste caramelizes the sugars and removes that raw metallic taste, resulting in a much deeper and richer flavor profile for your Lebanese Green Bean Stew.
3. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and the water, stirring everything vigorously to combine. You want to ensure the tomato paste dissolves completely into the liquids to create a smooth, unified red broth before adding the solid ingredients.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the frozen green beans, the whole raw chicken breast, and the bay leaves directly into the liquid. Season the pot generously with salt, black pepper, and the 7 Spice blend, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, fish out the bay leaves and discard them, then remove the chicken breast to a cutting board or plate. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth and beans.
6. Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes on low heat. This final simmering time is essential as it allows the broth to thicken slightly and gives the shredded chicken time to absorb the savory tomato and spice flavors.

My Best Tips for Perfect Lebanese Green Bean Stew

Do not skip the final simmering time after adding the shredded chicken back into the pot.

I highly recommend using a high-quality Lebanese Green Bean Stew spice blend or making your own 7 Spice mix for authentic flavor.

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can easily stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste during the initial sauté step.

How I Like to Serve This Lebanese Green Bean Stew

A steaming bowl of vermicelli rice is the traditional partner for this hearty stew.

You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread to scoop up every drop of the savory Lebanese Green Bean Stew sauce.

I love seeing what you make! I invite you to follow me on Pinterest for more cozy dinner inspiration and seasonal family recipes.

Lebanese Green Bean Stew Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting, one-pot Lebanese stew featuring tender chicken, green beans, and a rich tomato broth spiced with aromatic 7 Spice blend.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 4 cups water
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 20 oz frozen cut green beans
• 1 tsp 7 Spice blend
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic, cilantro, and crushed red pepper for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize it and deepen the flavor.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and water, stirring well to create a smooth broth base.
4. Add the frozen green beans, raw chicken breast, and bay leaves into the liquid. Season with salt, pepper, and 7 Spice. Cover and simmer on low for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the stew and meld the flavors.

Notes

Serve with vermicelli rice or warm pita bread. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 45 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 38mg

Keywords: Lebanese Green Bean Stew, easy chicken stew, healthy dinner recipe, one pot meal, green bean recipe