Loubia Djazairia (Algerian White Bean Stew)
A hearty and flavorful white bean stew, often considered a comfort food staple in Algerian cuisine. It's typically seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and can be served as a main dish or a side.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern)(soaked overnight)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 l Water or vegetable broth
- 1.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the soaked white beans. Set aside.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly.
- 5
Add the drained white beans and the water or broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- 6
Season the stew generously with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and digestibility.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced lamb or beef for a meatier version.
- Include chopped carrots or celery along with the onions for added vegetables.
- A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.