Georgian Lobio – Spiced Kidney Beans with Walnuts

About this recipe

Method

1. 1

   Rinse the soaked beans well, cover with fresh water by three fingers and simmer with the lid ajar for 40-45 minutes until tender. If using canned beans, drain and rinse.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a wide pot and cook the onion over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, until the edges just start to caramelise.

3. 3

   Add the garlic, ground coriander seed and fenugreek and cook for one more minute — the spices should bloom, not burn.

4. 4

   Add the cooked beans along with 1½ cups of their cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Mash about a third of the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a ladle. This thickens the dish without any flour.

6. 6

   Stir in half the walnuts and half the coriander, cook for 5 more minutes, then take off the heat.

7. 7

   Serve warm, topped with the remaining walnuts, fresh coriander, pomegranate seeds and red onion.