Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) Recipe

I am excited to share with you my recipe for Beans with Spinach, also known as Lubya b’ Selk in Lebanese cuisine. This dish is a perfect side dish or vegetarian main course that is hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It is a traditional Lebanese recipe that has been passed down through generations, and I am proud to share it with you.

The combination of white beans and fresh spinach creates a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, salt, and black pepper, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. The flavors are fresh, bold, and satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal that is easy to prepare. It is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The rich and fresh flavors of this dish will make it a favorite in your household.

So, let’s get started and make this delicious Lebanese recipe that will impress your taste buds and your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beans with Spinach (Lubya b' Selk) — Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk)

If you’re looking for a dish that is both healthy and delicious, then this Beans with Spinach recipe is perfect for you. This Lebanese-inspired dish, also known as Lubya b’ Selk, is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

First and foremost, this recipe is packed with fresh flavors that are often forgotten in our modern diets. The combination of white beans and fresh spinach creates a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The dish is also versatile, allowing you to add your own personal touch with additional ingredients such as lamb stew or cannellini beans.

Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is because it is incredibly easy to make. With only 49 ingredients, this dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. The recipe calls for sautéing the green beans and spinach in olive oil and garlic, which creates a delicious depth of flavor that is both savory and satisfying.

Finally, this dish is a staple in Lebanese and Libyan cuisine, and is often served with boiled eggs or as a side dish to braised green beans. The dish is not only healthy and delicious, but also a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients into your cooking repertoire.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dish that is healthy, easy to make, and full of fresh flavors, then this Beans with Spinach recipe is perfect for you. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking our delicious Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients we need. In this recipe, we will use white beans as the main ingredient, which will be accompanied by fresh spinach, garlic, green onions, cilantro, and olive oil. We will also use some spices like turmeric, salt, and black pepper to add flavor to our dish. Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients:

2 cans of white beans (15 oz. each) or 3 cups of dried white beans, soaked overnight
2 bunches of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. If you have any difficulties finding fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

To begin with, soak one cup of dried white beans overnight in a pot of water. The next day, drain the water and add fresh water to the pot. Bring the pot to a boil and let it cook for about 45 minutes until the beans are tender. Once cooked, drain the beans and set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

Wash and trim 2 bunches of fresh spinach. In a separate pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Next, add the spinach to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until it wilts down.

Step 3: Combine the Beans and Spinach

Once the spinach is cooked, add the cooked white beans to the pot. Then, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Mix everything together and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and cilantro. This dish can be served hot or cold and is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Pair it with boiled eggs or lamb stew for a hearty meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Lebanese recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe for Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) is very versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– White beans: If you can’t find white beans, you can use cannellini beans, navy beans, or any other white beans you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

– Spinach: If you don’t like spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. These greens have a similar texture and flavor to spinach and will work well in this recipe. You can also use frozen spinach if fresh spinach is not available.

– Green beans: If you don’t have green beans, you can use frozen or canned green beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before using them.

– Spices: This recipe calls for black pepper, turmeric, and garlic, but you can experiment with other spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika to add more flavor to the dish.

– Vegetarian or vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, you can omit the butter or ghee and use olive oil instead. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different variations of this recipe. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Pairing

Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, and it pairs well with a variety of other dishes.

If you’re serving Beans with Spinach as a main course, you might want to pair it with some rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce. The dish is also great with a side of salad or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and crunch.

As a side dish, Beans with Spinach is the perfect accompaniment to any protein, such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It’s also a great side dish for grilled fish or seafood. The flavor of the beans and spinach goes well with the richness of the meat, and the dish adds a pop of color to the plate.

Another great way to serve Beans with Spinach is to add a boiled egg on top. This is a traditional Lebanese way of serving the dish and it adds a nice protein boost. The egg yolk mixes with the sauce to create a rich, creamy texture that is absolutely delicious.

No matter how you serve it, Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) is a dish that is sure to impress. It’s full of fresh flavors and is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of spinach and beans. Try it out and see how it can elevate your next meal.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the great things about this Beans with Spinach recipe (Lubya b’ Selk) is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. You can make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it a great recipe for meal prep or for busy weeknight dinners.

When reheating the beans with spinach, you can either do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, simply transfer the beans and spinach to a saucepan and add a splash of water. Cover the pan and heat over low heat until the beans are warmed through. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a bit more water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

To reheat in the microwave, transfer the beans and spinach to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the beans are hot all the way through. Be sure to stir the mixture halfway through the heating process to ensure even heating.

If you’ve stored the beans with spinach in the freezer, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s important to note that the texture of the beans may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.

Overall, this Beans with Spinach recipe (Lubya b’ Selk) is a great option for meal prep and storing leftovers. With its fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed for days after it’s made.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk), there are several tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. Use fresh spinach: 2 bunches of fresh spinach is the main ingredient in this recipe, and using fresh spinach will make a huge difference in the final result. Fresh spinach is more tender and flavorful than frozen spinach, and it will give the dish a vibrant green color.

2. Don’t overcook the spinach: Spinach cooks quickly, so be sure to add it to the pot at the right time. Overcooking the spinach will cause it to lose its bright color and delicate texture. Add the spinach to the pot for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

3. Use high-quality white beans: The recipe calls for white beans, and I recommend using high-quality beans for the best flavor and texture. Cannellini beans are a great option, but any type of white bean will work.

4. Season well: To give the dish a depth of flavor, season it well with salt, black pepper, turmeric, garlic, green onions, and cilantro. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Add a splash of olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil at the end of cooking will add richness and flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.

6. Serve with boiled egg: Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) is often served with boiled egg as a side dish. This adds protein to the meal and makes it more filling.

7. Pair with Lebanese green bean stew (Loubieh b’zeit): For a complete Lebanese meal, pair the Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) with Lebanese green bean stew (Loubieh b’zeit) and lamb stew.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) that will impress your family and friends.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) recipe is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. With fresh flavors and a rich history, this dish will transport you to the heart of Lebanese and Libyan cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to pair with a lamb stew or a main dish to enjoy with boiled eggs, this recipe has got you covered.

So, don’t hesitate to try out this recipe for yourself and experience the delicious combination of white beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to create a dish that is both healthy and satisfying.

Remember, cooking is all about exploring new flavors and trying out different recipes. So, why not give this Beans with Spinach (Lubya b’ Selk) recipe a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!