Loubia (Algerian White Bean Stew)
Local name: لوبيا
In short: Creamy white beans simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with cumin, paprika and olive oil, an Algerian staple eaten with bread or rice. It takes about 2 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 55 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Loubia is the white bean stew that turns up on Algerian tables all year, especially in winter and during Ramadan. Dried beans are soaked, then simmered slowly with onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin and paprika until they are creamy and the sauce has thickened around them. Many cooks add cubes of lamb or beef, though the beans alone are good too. Serve it with bread for scooping, or with rice.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. If using meat, brown it for 5 minutes first. Add the onion and cook for 6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika and pepper for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the beans and water and bring to a boil. Skim off the foam, then partly cover and simmer for about 1 hour 15 minutes, until the beans are nearly tender. With meat, allow 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Stir in the salt and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the beans are creamy and the sauce is thick. Mash a few beans against the side of the pot to thicken it further.
- Stir in the coriander, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with bread or rice.
Tips
- Add the salt once the beans are nearly tender. It makes seasoning easier to judge as the sauce reduces.
- In a pressure cooker, cook the soaked beans with the sauce base for 15 minutes, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
Questions and answers
Can I use canned beans?
Yes. Use 3 cans (400 g / 14 oz each), drained, with 250 ml (1 cup) water, and simmer in the sauce for 20 minutes.
Is loubia vegan?
Without the optional meat, yes. The base is just onion, garlic, tomato, spices, olive oil and beans.
Can I freeze loubia?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Loubia (Algerian White Bean Stew)?
About 2 h 10 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Loubia (Algerian White Bean Stew)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 50 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 14 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
