The Best Loubia Moroccan White Bean Stew Recipe For Cozy Nights

Loubia, a hearty Moroccan white bean stew, brings warmth and comfort to any dining experience with its rich, aromatic profile.

This beloved dish represents the soul of North African cuisine, blending robust flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Slow-cooked legumes convert into a velvety, satisfying meal that tells stories of traditional kitchens and family gatherings.

Mediterranean culinary techniques infuse the stew with layers of depth, creating a symphony of spices and textures.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate simple beans into a culinary masterpiece that dances between rustic and sophisticated.

The stew’s versatility allows for personal interpretation, making each preparation a unique expression of home cooking.

Moroccan families have perfected this recipe through generations, ensuring its place as a cherished comfort food.

Customize Your Loubia with Regional Twists

• Spicy Kick Loubia: Enhance the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red chili flakes during the sautéing stage, creating a fiery version of the classic Moroccan stew.
• Mediterranean Herb Loubia: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to give the dish a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile, complementing the existing spices.
• Vegetable-Packed Loubia: Boost nutritional value by adding diced carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers during the sautéing process, transforming the stew into a more substantial meal.
• Protein-Rich Loubia: Mix in diced chicken or lamb during the cooking process for a heartier, meat-lover's version of the traditional white bean stew.

Discover the Comfort of Moroccan White Bean Stew

• Savor Authentic Moroccan Comfort: A hearty white bean stew that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Morocco, delivering rich, warm flavors in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible cooking methods let you whip up this delicious dish using either a traditional stovetop or an Instant Pot, making it perfect for cooks with different kitchen setups and time constraints.
• Packed with Wholesome Nutrition: Protein-rich white beans combined with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric create a nutritious meal that's both satisfying and incredibly good for your body.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: From soaking beans to simmering the final stew, this recipe requires minimal hands-on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Gather Spices and Beans for Loubia Stew

• White Beans: Hearty legume that provides protein and substance to the stew, dried beans need overnight soaking for best texture.
• Veggie Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and flavor to the dish, low-sodium options work best for controlling salt levels.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that creates a savory foundation, fresh ingredients provide the most robust taste.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Adds richness and acidity, fresh tomatoes offer better flavor compared to canned varieties.

• Cumin, Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric: Warm spice blend that gives the stew its distinctive Moroccan character, fresh ground spices have more intense flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste, kosher salt provides better control of seasoning.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color to the final dish, chopped just before serving for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that helps sauté aromatics and provides a smooth base for the stew, extra virgin offers the best flavor.

Cooking Loubia on the Stove and in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Warm Up the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Let the oil shimmer and spread across the surface.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Add and dance the chopped onion and garlic around the pot. Stir constantly until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Introduce the Tomatoes

Toss in chopped tomatoes and let them simmer softly, breaking down into a juicy sauce for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let the spices bloom for one minute, releasing their vibrant flavors.

Step 5: Build the Stew

Pour in veggie broth and tomato paste. Add drained white beans and mix everything together into a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Simmer and Season

Let the stew bubble gently for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Shower with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve piping hot alongside warm pita or naan bread.

Instant Pot Method:

Step 1: Bean Preparation

Soak dry white beans overnight, ensuring they’re submerged under 2 inches of water.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onions turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Tomato Transformation

Add chopped tomatoes and let them simmer for 5 minutes until they soften and break down.

Step 4: Spice Awakening

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let spices release their essence for one minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add veggie broth, tomato paste, and drained soaked beans. Stir everything together.

Step 6: Pressure Magic

Secure the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 17 minutes. Ensure the release handle points to “sealing”.

Step 7: Gentle Release

After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Then quickly vent remaining pressure.

Step 8: Final Touch

Check the consistency. If too watery, use sauté mode to thicken the sauce.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Top with fresh herbs and serve alongside warm bread.

Flavor Boosters for Authentic Moroccan Stew

• Optimize Bean Soaking: Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a creamy texture in your loubia.
• Spice Layering Technique: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to intensify their flavors and create a more complex taste profile for the stew.
• Aromatics Enhancement: Caramelize onions slowly to develop a rich, sweet undertone that adds depth to the bean stew's overall flavor.
• Liquid Consistency Control: Adjust vegetable broth quantity based on desired thickness, remembering the beans will absorb liquid during cooking.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Add fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and maximize their aromatic qualities.

Storing and Reheating Loubia for Peak Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Loubia in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated Loubia in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew seems dry. For frozen stew, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring even warming and preserving the beans' creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Moroccan White Bean Stew

• Pair with Zesty Moroccan Red Wine: Choose a bold, spicy Moroccan red like Syrah or Grenache to complement the stew's rich, earthy flavors and warm spices.
• Match with Herbal Mint Tea: Serve traditional Moroccan mint tea alongside the loubia to balance the stew's hearty profile and cleanse the palate with its refreshing notes.
• Create a Mediterranean Bread Feast: Serve warm, soft pita or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the stew's savory sauce, adding texture and extending the dining experience.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the stew with chopped cilantro or parsley to bring bright, fresh elements that cut through the dish's deep, warm spices and provide a vibrant finishing touch.

Loubia Moroccan White Bean Stew (Stovetop + Instant Pot) Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Moroccan loubia brings hearty white bean comfort straight from North African kitchens. Simmered with fragrant spices and tender meat, this stew invites you to savor rich culinary traditions in one satisfying bowl.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), drained
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional)
• ⅓ teaspoon turmeric
• Dash of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth (for conventional pot)
• 1 ½ – 2 cups vegetable broth (for instant pot)

Optional Alternate Cooking Method Ingredient:

• ¾ cup dry white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), soaked overnight

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, creating a shimmering base for the aromatic ingredients.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sweating them until the onions become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the softened aromatics, allowing them to break down and create a rich, saucy foundation for the stew.
4. Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of ground cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, stirring to awaken the spices’ deep, complex flavors.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and tomato paste, then fold in the drained white beans, creating a cohesive and flavorful mixture.
6. Let the stew gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a luxurious consistency.
7. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
8. Garnish with a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, adding a burst of freshness and color.
9. Serve piping hot alongside warm pita or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Prepare dried white beans by submerging them in water overnight, ensuring they are completely covered to soften and reduce cooking time.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function, adding olive oil to create a hot cooking surface.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic qualities.
4. Add diced tomatoes, allowing them to soften and break down into a rich, saucy base.
5. Sprinkle in a carefully curated blend of ground cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Combine vegetable broth, tomato paste, and the previously soaked and drained beans, creating a harmonious mixture.
7. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 17 minutes to ensure perfectly tender beans.
8. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
9. If the sauce appears too thin, activate the sauté mode to reduce and thicken the stew to the desired consistency.
10. Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs and serving alongside warm bread for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Soak dry beans overnight to ensure tender, creamy texture and reduce cooking time.
• Choose white beans like cannellini or great northern for authentic Moroccan flavor profile.
• Toasting spices briefly intensifies their aromatic qualities and deepens overall taste.
• Vegetable broth can be substituted with water, but flavor might be less complex.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness and freshness to the hearty stew.
• Instant Pot method cuts traditional cooking time while maintaining rich, traditional taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg