Georgia
Georgian Lobio
Red kidney beans mashed into a rustic Georgian stew with onion, garlic, coriander and blue fenugreek.
About this dish
Lobio literally means “beans” in Georgian, and there are many regional and household versions. Georgia’s official tourism site emphasizes that there is no single universally approved seasoning formula. This version uses a partially mashed texture, herbs and blue fenugreek while keeping the method approachable.
Ingredients & method
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight, or 3 cans drained
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp sunflower or neutral oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp blue fenugreek, optional but distinctive
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt
Method
- 1. If using dried beans, cover with fresh water and boil until completely tender, about 60–90 minutes; reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.
- 2. Cook onion in oil until golden and soft. Add garlic, coriander, blue fenugreek and black pepper.
- 3. Mash about half the beans, leaving the rest whole. Stir in the onion mixture and enough reserved liquid to make a thick stew.
- 4. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring so the bottom does not catch.
- 5. Fold in cilantro and vinegar, season with salt and serve warm.
Read further
Fringe Table recipes are practical home-kitchen adaptations. Family, regional and ceremonial versions may differ.