Lobio is a very popular dish in Georgia, Europe. It's served as a hot stew in the winter or a cold dip in the summer. There exist many variations for the ingredients. Please select your favorite from our suggestions. You might want to serve it with pomegranate and cornbread for an extraordinarily complex flavor experience. Pickled vegetables are another good addition. The spice blend is the famous Khemli Suneli.
Pomegranate molasses or fresh seeds(see notes for molasses recipe)
Cornbread or flatbread
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Beans
In a BOWL, mash about 2/3 of the beans with a potato masher.
Step 2: Fry
In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Fry the onions until soft, stirring frequently.
COOK
Step 3
In a POT, add all beans and broth. Mix well.
Step 4
Add:
the fried onions with the oil,
cilantro,
ground walnuts,
salt & pepper to taste,
and Lobio spices.
Step 5
Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Optionally
For a sweet-sour note, add pomegranate molasses or pomegranate seeds to taste to the finished dish or over the plated meal.
Serve with cornbread.
Enjoy!
Notes
Beans
▪ Substitute beans with navy or cranberry beans.▪ Substitute half of the beans with 1/2 lb ground meat.
Herbs
▪ Substitute cilantro with mint or parsley.
Nuts
▪ Substitute walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts or 1 tbsp flour in step 4.
Pomegranate
Recipe for pomegranate molassesVariations▪ If you love garlic: Add 2 cloves grated garlic in step 2.▪ If you prefer to add veggies: Add 8 oz green beans and 0.5 cup more broth in step 3.▪ If you love nuts: Add 0.25 cup chopped walnuts in step 4.Georgian Bread: Khachapuri recipe.