Georgian White Bean Lobio with Herbs

Name: Georgian White Bean Lobio with Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 110 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Georgian-inspired
Ingredients: 400 g dried white beans, soaked overnight; 2 whole medium onions, diced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 whole garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp khmeli-suneli; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 2 whole bay leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 20 g fresh cilantro, chopped; 10 g fresh basil, chopped; 1.5 l water for cooking beans

This vegetarian lobio simmers tender white beans with tomato, onion, garlic, khmeli-suneli and fresh herbs.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 10 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

This vegetarian lobio simmers tender white beans with tomato, onion, garlic, khmeli-suneli and fresh herbs. The source lists chicken as an optional ingredient despite presenting lobio as a bean dish, so this version keeps the recipe meat-free. Mash a few beans into the sauce for body and finish with cilantro and basil. It is satisfying with bread and pickled vegetables, and works with either dried or canned beans. Drain soaked beans, cover with fresh water and simmer 60 to 90 minutes until tender; reserve 250 ml cooking liquid. Cook onions in oil until soft and golden; stir in tomato paste, garlic, khmeli-suneli and paprika for 1 minute. Add cooked beans, bay leaves, salt, pepper and enough bean liquid to just cover; simmer gently 20 minutes.

How to tell when it is ready

Stir in cilantro and basil, rest 5 minutes and serve warm.

Tips

Drain soaked beans, cover with fresh water and simmer 60 to 90 minutes until tender.
Cook onions in oil until soft and golden.
Add cooked beans, bay leaves, salt, pepper and enough bean liquid to just cover.
Mash a small scoop of beans into the pot to thicken.

Troubleshooting

If beans remain firm, simmer longer before tomato.
If thick, add reserved bean liquid.

Substitutions

Use canned beans to shorten cooking.
Use parsley instead of basil.

Variations

Use red beans instead of white.
Add chopped walnuts for richness.

Serving suggestions

Serve with lavash.
Add pickled vegetables.
Offer chopped cilantro.
Pair with tomato salad.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; add a splash of water when reheating.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; add a splash of water when reheating.

Food safety

If using dried beans, boil thoroughly until completely tender; do not slow-cook raw kidney beans.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know georgian white bean lobio with herbs is ready?

Stir in cilantro and basil, rest 5 minutes and serve warm.

How should I store georgian white bean lobio with herbs?

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; add a splash of water when reheating.

Serve with lavash. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; add a splash of water when reheating.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Georgian White Bean Lobio with Herbs