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Lobio
If using dried beans, soak overnight, then boil in fresh water with the bay leaf until completely soft, 60 to 90 minutes. Drain and keep the liquid. Tinned beans skip this.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Lobio take?
1 hr all in — 15 min prep, 45 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Tree nuts. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Frying pan, Mortar and pestle.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Kidney beans → Borlotti or pinto beans. Different colour, same dish. Georgians use several local red bean varieties.
Any tips from this recipe?
Grind the walnuts fine in a food processor or mortar; coarse pieces float rather than thicken. Lobio improves overnight. Loosen with a little water when reheating. Georgian shops sell khmeli suneli, the blended spice mix. A teaspoon of it replaces the coriander, fenugreek and paprika here.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Lobio improves overnight. Loosen with a little water when reheating. If using dried beans, soak overnight, then boil in fresh water with the bay leaf until completely soft, 60 to 90 minutes. Drain and keep the liquid. Tinned beans skip this.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.