Description
A comforting Lebanese white bean stew made with beef or lamb, cannellini beans, and a rich tomato sauce flavored with garlic, cumin, and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb beef or lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (400g each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon seven spice (baharat), optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups water or broth
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Brown the meat. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Pat the meat dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear in batches until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- Build the base. In the same pot, sauté the onion over medium heat until soft and golden, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and half the cilantro, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast the tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and smells sweet.
- Simmer. Add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, seven spice if using, and the browned meat. Pour in enough water or broth to just cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until the meat is tender.
- Add the beans. Stir in the drained cannellini beans and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
- Finish and serve. Turn off the heat. Stir in the remaining cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot over vermicelli rice or with warm bread.
Notes
Fasolia bi zeit is a vegan version that skips the meat and uses vegetable broth; a spoonful of tahini adds richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg