Here’s a recipe for Lobio of Beans with Spicy Herbs and Walnuts—a traditional Georgian dish that’s hearty and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried beans (such as kidney beans or black beans), soaked overnight and drained (or 4 cups cooked beans)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the beans:
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse.
- Cook the soaked beans in fresh water until tender, about 1-1.5 hours. Drain and set aside.
- If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the spices and tomato paste:
- Stir in the ground coriander, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, and tomato paste.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
4. Add the tomatoes and beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked beans and stir well.
5. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or a bit of balsamic vinegar to the stew.
- If you like a bit more texture, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon or fork before serving.
Lobio of Beans with Spicy Herbs and Walnuts is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy!
