Moroccan Green Bean Salad
Loubia is a Moroccan warm salad where green beans are cooked down with crushed tomato, garlic, and spices until the sauce coats each bean thoroughly. Paprika and cumin layer smoky warmth and an earthy depth over the tomato's natural acidity, while garlic sauteed slowly at low heat releases a mellow sweetness that carries through the entire dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end cuts through the richness and lifts the finish. If the tomatoes release a large amount of liquid, a brief blast of high heat will reduce the sauce back to a clinging consistency. The flavors develop noticeably after an overnight rest in the refrigerator, as the spices have time to penetrate the beans and the tomato sauce thickens further. This makes loubia an especially practical dish for preparing a day ahead.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Trim green beans, blanch for 4 minutes, and shock in cold water.
- 2
Saute minced garlic in olive oil over low heat until fragrant.
- 3
Add chopped tomato, paprika, and cumin; simmer 5 minutes into a sauce.
- 4
Add green beans and cook 3-4 minutes to coat.
- 5
Turn off heat, stir in lemon juice, and serve cooled.
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