Lebanese fasolia is a popular dish in Lebanon that features white kidney beans cooked in a tomato-based sauce. As someone who cherishes Lebanese cuisine, I make fasolia every time I want to have a savory and comforting dish. It’s a dish that is simple to make, yet bursting with flavor.
The dish is typically served as a main course, accompanied by rice or pita bread. Some variations also include meat, such as lamb or beef, but the vegetarian version is just as delicious. The tomato sauce is made with onions, garlic, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, giving it a unique taste that is both savory and slightly sweet. Overall, it is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
One day, my wife and I had a light lunch at a Lebanese restaurant in Nashville. As we went over the menu, I stumbled upon a dish called Lebanese fasolia. Intrigued, I decided to order it. After a little while, an old Lebanese woman brought it to our table. The dish looked and smelled amazing.
As we enjoyed our meal, a car crash occurred in front of the restaurant. We made sure that nobody was hurt and waited for the commotion to settle down. Once things were back to normal, I requested the recipe from the restaurant chef. To my surprise, he agreed to give it to me! The recipe contained the following ingredients: kidney beans, brown onion, garlic, tomato paste, salt, olive oil, Lebanese 7 spice, Roma tomatoes, water, red chili, and black pepper.
I couldn’t wait to try making this dish at home. The combination of kidney beans and spices was simply delightful.
Accompanied dishes
When I make this dish, I love to have a variety of dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside this hearty and flavorful main dish:
- Baba ghanoush: This roasted eggplant dip is another great option for dipping pita bread. Its smoky flavor and creamy texture make it a great match for fasolia.
- Fattoush: This Lebanese salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, as well as crispy pieces of pita bread. Its tangy dressing and crunchy textures make it a great side dish for fasolia.
- Grilled meats: If you’re looking for a heartier accompaniment to fasolia, grilled meats like chicken or lamb are a great choice. The smoky, charred flavors of the meat pair well with the rich and savory flavors of the beans.
- Rice pilaf: A simple rice pilaf is a great way to round out the meal and soak up any extra sauce from the fasolia. You can add a variety of spices and herbs to the rice to complement the flavors of the dish.
Overall, many different dishes pair well with fasolia. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, there’s sure to be a dish that will complement this flavorful main course.
Ingredients:
- 500g dried kidney beans (let them soak all night)
- 2 to 3 medium onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, mashed up
- 140g of tomato paste
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of Lebanese 7 spice (or you could use allspice)
- 6 smallish Roma tomatoes, chopped up
- 5 cups of water
- A bit of red chili if you like (chop it up tiny)
- 1/2 tbsp of coarsely ground black pepper
How to Make Lebanese Fasolia?
Soaking overnight:
- Start by sorting the kidney beans to ensure there are no unwanted beans. Then, soak them overnight in water, making sure to fill the water at least 5cm above the beans as they will swell and rise.
Cooking:
- The next day, start cooking by sweating onions in a non-stick pot over medium-high heat until they become translucent. Next, put in the mashed garlic and chili and mix them well.
- After that, toss in the spices and seasonings, making sure the onion and garlic are well covered. Then, Put in the chopped tomatoes, cover the pot and let them cook for 10 minutes so they get soft. After the tomatoes get soft, mix in the tomato paste.
- Next, add the kidney beans and stir them until they are well-coated. Then, add water and bring it to a boil. Finally, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow everything to cook for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- That’s it! Serve your fasolia warm and enjoy it with some fresh bread.
Common Variations
When it comes to Lebanese fasolia, there are several common variations that you can try out. Here are a few of them:
- Fasolia Bi Lahme: This is a popular variation of fasolia, which includes meat. It typically includes lamb or beef, along with tomatoes, onions, and other seasonings.
- Fasolia Bi Zait: This variation of fasolia is made with olive oil instead of meat. It often includes garlic, onions, and tomatoes, along with other vegetables and seasonings.
- Fasolia Bi Zeit w Kizbara: This is a vegetarian version of fasolia that includes coriander. It is typically made with olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
- Fasolia Bi Zeit w Kousa: This variation of fasolia includes zucchini. It is typically made with olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
Regardless of which variation you choose, Lebanese fasolia is a delicious and nutritious dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
Conclusion
Overall, Lebanese fasolia is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. With its blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
One of the best things about fasolia is that it is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. You can add more or less spice, adjust the amount of tomato sauce, or even add in some meat or other vegetables to make it your own.
Another great thing about fasolia is that it is a budget-friendly meal that can be made in large batches and stored for later. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Overall, I highly recommend giving Lebanese fasolia a try. It’s a tasty and nutritious dish that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Did you know? Fasolia pairs perfectly with warm homemade zaatar pita bread.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
