Lobio — (Georgian Spiced Red Beans)

Lobio is one of Georgia’s most beloved traditional dishes, made with red beans, onions, garlic, and fragrant Georgian spices. Every Georgian family has its own variation, but the combination of tender beans, fresh herbs, and earthy spices is at the heart of this comforting classic. This easy version uses canned beans to bring authentic Georgian flavors to your table in less time.

Serves 3–4 · 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 tsp khmeli-suneli (Georgian spice blend)
• ½ tsp utskho-suneli (Georgian blue fenugreek)
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup water, plus more as needed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Heat the sunflower oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
• Add the garlic, khmeli-suneli, utskho-suneli, and ground coriander. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the drained red beans and ½ cup water. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
• Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to lightly mash some of the beans, creating a thick, creamy texture while leaving some beans whole.
• Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little more water if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Stir in the red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped walnuts, if desired. Serve warm with Georgian pickled vegetables or traditional mchadi.

Serving tip

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Chopped walnuts
• Georgian pickled vegetables
• Mchadi (traditional Georgian cornbread)

Serve warm with traditional Georgian mchadi (cornbread), pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro for an authentic Georgian meal.