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Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew)

Georgian · Lunch · Easy

Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew)

Total
40 min
Prep
15 min
Serves
4
Calories
370
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Kidney beans turn creamy around walnuts, cilantro and vinegar in a thick Georgian stew, with warm coriander and garlic in every spoonful.

Crushing only part of the beans gives Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew) a creamy base with plenty of whole beans left to bite. Ground walnuts add body, while vinegar and cilantro keep the earthy flavors bright.

Canned kidney beans shorten the cooking without changing the basic approach. Add the vinegar after the beans soften, and keep the finished stew thick enough to scoop rather than thin like soup.

HerbySavoryTangyBudgetMeal PrepVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion for until soft and pale gold.

  2. Add garlic, ground coriander and fenugreek and stir for . Add canned kidney beans, water, salt and black pepper.

  3. Simmer over medium-low heat for until the beans are soft. Mash about one-third against the side of the pan to thicken the liquid.

  4. Stir in ground walnut and simmer for until the stew is creamy. Remove from heat and fold in red wine vinegar and cilantro.

Forkue tips

  • Blue fenugreek is characteristic in Georgian cooking. If unavailable, use half as much ordinary ground fenugreek, as listed here, because it is more assertive.

Storing and reheating

Keep the bean stew refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water and add fresh cilantro after warming if you have some.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

370Calories
17gProtein
47gCarbs
14gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew): FAQ

Can I use dried kidney beans?

Yes. Cook them fully in a separate pot before starting the stew, following the package boiling instructions. Use about 4 1/2 cups cooked beans in place of the cans.

Is lobio served hot or cold?

Both are possible. This thick version is especially good warm, while leftovers also work at room temperature with bread and pickled vegetables.

How do I store and reheat Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew)?

Keep the bean stew refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water and add fresh cilantro after warming if you have some.

How long does Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew) take?

About 40 min in total: 15 min prep and 25 min cooking.

What do I need to make Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew)?

The key ingredients are canned kidney beans, onion, garlic, walnut, ground coriander and fenugreek, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Lobio (Georgian Kidney Bean Stew)?

Blue fenugreek is characteristic in Georgian cooking. If unavailable, use half as much ordinary ground fenugreek, as listed here, because it is more assertive.

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