Lobio (Georgian Red Bean Stew)

Method

1. 1

   Drain the soaked beans, cover with fresh water by 5 cm and simmer until completely tender, 60–75 minutes, topping up water as needed.

   💡 Salt only at the end — salting early keeps the skins tough.

2. 2

   Fry the onions in the oil until deeply golden, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain the beans, reserving a cup of their liquid, and return them to the pot with the onions.

4. 4

   Mash roughly — half crushed, half whole — loosening with bean liquid to a thick, spoonable texture.

5. 5

   Stir in the ground walnuts, khmeli suneli, coriander, vinegar and salt and simmer 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Finish with crushed garlic and cilantro, and serve hot with pickles and bread.