MOROCCAN WHITE BEAN STEW (LOUBIA) – A SIMPLE AND AROMATIC DISH
This Moroccan-inspired white bean stew, known as Loubia, is a fragrant and comforting meal made with fresh beans, tender tomatoes, and warming spices like Ras el Hanout. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh white beans
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ripe tomatoes (~350 g)
- 1 tsp Ras el Hanout (or Madras curry powder)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onion over medium heat until soft.
- Score tomatoes with an X, blanch in boiling water, peel off skins, and dice finely.
- Add Ras el Hanout, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to the onions. Stir to release aromas.
- Add diced tomatoes and simmer the sauce until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
Tip: For an Indian twist, substitute Ras el Hanout with curry powder and omit smoked paprika. - Add fresh beans, 250 ml water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat until beans are tender, about 35-40 minutes.
- Let stew cool slightly with the lid on before serving warm.
💡 Tips
- Use fresh white beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes for preferred heat level.
- Slow simmering helps deepen the spice flavors.
- Serve with crusty bread or couscous for a complete meal.
🎉 Perfect For
- Quick weekday dinners
- Vegetarian and plant-based meals
- Moroccan and North African cuisine lovers
📝 Final Thoughts
Loubia is a delicious and aromatic Moroccan white bean stew bursting with spices and tender vegetables. It’s an easy, healthy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season.