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Lobio – Georgian Red Bean Stew in a Clay Pot

Ingredients:

Dried red kidney beans

500 Grams

soaked overnight

Onions

finely chopped

Garlic cloves

crushed

Sunflower oil

4 Tablespoons

Fresh cilantro

bunch, chopped

Khmeli suneli

1 Teaspoons

Ground coriander

1 Teaspoons

Dried summer savory

1/2 Teaspoons

Hot chili pepper

1/2

Walnuts

50 Grams

ground (optional)

Salt

to taste

Preparation mode:

👉 Lobio is Georgia’s classic red bean stew – creamy kidney beans cooked with onions, garlic, herbs and spices, traditionally served bubbling in a clay pot. Simple, cheap and deeply satisfying.

🇬🇪 What Is Lobio?

Lobio (ლობიო) is simply the Georgian word for beans. “Lobio kotanshi” – lobio in a clay pot – is the most famous version, served in every Georgian tavern with mchadi and pickles. It is a staple during fasting periods because it is naturally vegan.

🍳 How to Make Lobio

1. Cook the beans. Drain the soaked beans, cover with fresh water and simmer for 1½–2 hours until very soft. Don’t add salt yet

2. Fry the onions. Fry the onions in the oil until golden

3. Mash. Drain off some of the cooking liquid, then mash about half of the beans with a spoon to make the stew creamy

4. Season. Add the onions, garlic, khmeli suneli, coriander, savory, chili, walnuts (if using) and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes

5. Finish. Stir in the cilantro and serve hot, ideally in clay pots

😋 Why You’ll Love Lobio

Creamy, smoky and full of herbs – lobio is comfort food that also happens to be healthy, vegan and budget-friendly.

💡 Tips for the Best Lobio

Soak the beans overnight for faster cooking.
Salt only at the end so the beans stay tender.
Mash part of the beans for a creamy texture.
Add a splash of tkemali for a sour note.

🍽️ How to Serve Lobio

Serve with mchadi (cornbread), Georgian pickles, fresh herbs and onion. Keeps in the fridge for 4 days.

❓ Lobio FAQ

Is lobio vegan?
Yes – the classic recipe contains no animal products.

Can I use canned beans?
Yes – use 3–4 cans and skip the long cooking.

👉 Learn more about Georgian cuisine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgian_cuisine

More Georgian recipes on my website:
👉 https://cuisinesguide.com/recipe-cuisine/georgian-cuisine/
👉 Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread)
👉 Chicken Shkmeruli – Georgian Garlic Chicken

Footnotes:

Photo: Pot lobio by Shayat1, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and color-adjusted by Cuisines Guide.