🇮🇷 Iran · Food
Khoresh Loobia Sabz (Green Bean Stew)
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇮🇷 IRA fragrant, comforting stew featuring tender beef and crisp green beans in a savory tomato and cinnamon-scented sauce. A staple home-cooked meal in every Persian household.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Sauté 1 diced onion in 2 tbsp oil in a heavy pot until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.
- 2
Add 600g of cubed beef shank to the pot, stirring with 1 tsp turmeric until the meat is browned on all sides.
- 3
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to bring out the color and sweetness.
- 4
Pour in 500ml of boiling water, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 60 minutes until the beef is nearly tender.
- 5
While the beef cooks, lightly sauté 400g of trimmed green beans in a separate pan until bright green and slightly tender.
- 6
Add the green beans to the main pot, stir in 0.5 tsp cinnamon, and continue simmering for 20 minutes.
- 7
Finally, stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and salt to taste, letting the flavors meld for another 5 minutes.
- 8
Remove from heat and serve hot over steaming basmati rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cut of beef works best?+
Beef shank is ideal because it contains collagen that breaks down during slow cooking, making the sauce rich and the meat very tender.
Can I use frozen green beans?+
Fresh green beans are traditional for their texture, but frozen can be used; just skip the separate sauté step.
Why cinnamon?+
Cinnamon adds a subtle, warming aromatic depth that is characteristic of many Persian stews and pairs perfectly with tomato and beef.
How to make the sauce thicker?+
Remove the lid for the final 15 minutes of simmering to allow the sauce to reduce to your desired consistency.
