My dear grandmother just turned 95 years old. A trip to Florida was in order!
I love listening to my grandma’s stories. Especially when they involve family history and traditions. My grandma learned to cook from her Lebanese mother-in-law. After my grandparents wedding, a crash course in Lebanese cooking quickly ensued. Lubia was grandpa’s favorite meal. (Obviously she had to make it flawlessly.)
A savory combination of either beef or lamb, green beans, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. The cinnamon brings a lovely warmth to the dish. It really makes it. An unmistakable comforting smell will engulf your kitchen.
I cherish the time my grandmother and I spent together this past week. I look forward to passing on her stories and traditions. I look forward to recreating the deliciousness, sweet smell, and comfort of this Lubia dish. Always.
Note: Crock pot and stove top instructions included below.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef or lamb stew meat, cubed
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 26 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1.5 lbs green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Rice, for serving
Crock Pot Directions:
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large saute pan. I prefer a cast iron pan for this. Add half of the stew meat and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning the meat as each side browns. You want to form a nice crust on the meat. Once all of the meat has browned, remove it from the pan and reserve. Add the remainder of the meat to the saute pan, and repeat the browning process. Add browned meat to the crock pot.
In the same pan you browned the meat in, saute onion and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. (These brown bits will add plenty of flavor to the dish.) Add onion and garlic to the crock pot with the browned meat.
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, green beans, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir well and cook for 6-8 hours on low heat. Add fresh parsley, and serve over your choice of rice. I prefer white jasmine rice, or rice pilaf.
Servings: 6 (Serving size: 1 1/2 cups of Lubia, 1 cup of rice)
Stove Top Directions:
Follow directions as is … except, add the browned meat and onion/garlic mixture to a stockpot on your stove top instead of your crock pot. Add additional ingredients as directed. Cover and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours. Finish as directed above.
Emily Always Cooks 
This looks so delicious and comforting!