Loubia (Moroccan White Bean Stew)
Local name: اللوبيا
In short: Creamy white beans simmered with tomato, garlic, cumin and paprika until the sauce turns thick and glossy. Warm, filling and meat-free. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Loubia is the white bean stew of Moroccan homes, cooked often through the colder months. Beans are simmered slowly until creamy, then finished with grated tomato, garlic, paprika and cumin in plenty of olive oil. It is usually eaten with bread and a spoonful of hot chili paste. A cheap, filling lunch, it tastes better the day after you cook it.
Instructions
- Put the drained beans and 1.5 liters (6 cups) of fresh water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim, then simmer partly covered for 1 hour, until the beans are nearly tender. Do not add salt yet.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft, then add the garlic, paprika, cumin and cayenne and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until the sauce darkens and the oil begins to separate.
- Tip the sauce into the beans with the salt. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the beans are creamy and the sauce is thick.
- Stir in the herbs and lemon juice, taste for salt and serve hot with bread.
Tips
- Canned beans save time. Use 4 cans (400 g / 14 oz each, about 1 kg / 2.2 lb drained), skip the first step and simmer them in the sauce with 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of water for 20 minutes.
- Mash a ladle of beans against the side of the pot to thicken the stew naturally. Add salt only once the beans are soft, or the skins stay tough.
Questions and answers
Do I have to soak the beans for loubia?
Soaking overnight shortens the cooking time and gives an even texture. If you forget, simmer the beans for about 1 hour longer in step 1, until tender, or use canned beans.
Can I freeze loubia?
Yes. Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight and reheat gently with a splash of water.
How do I make loubia spicier?
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or a spoon of harissa to the sauce. Moroccans often put extra chili paste on the table instead, so each person can choose.
How long does it take to make Loubia (Moroccan White Bean Stew)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Loubia (Moroccan White Bean Stew)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 14 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
