Loubia Recipe (Moroccan Stewed White Beans)

This Moroccan Bean Stew (aka Loubia) consists of only a couple of simple ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. It can easily be made on the stove-top but also in an instant pot. It's the perfect weeknight meal that's bursting with traditional African flavors.

One-pot meals are our go-to dishes during the week. They are super quick and easy to make- perfect when you don't have much time to prepare dinner. For this Moroccan Loubia you'll also only need one pot or pan OR you can also prepare it in a slow cooker such as an Instant Pot. Both methods will be described below.

For more easy one-pot vegetarian recipes check out our Sweet Potato Red Lentil Curry, Vegetarian Chili con Carne, or Easy Potato Goulash.

What is Loubia?

Loubia is a traditional north African dish that consists of stewed white beans in a delicious, flavorful tomato sauce. Traditionally, it's both made with and without meat. The recipe below is a vegetarian version of stewed Moroccan beans and doesn't include any meat. It can be enjoyed as a main dish with some delicious crusty bread or as a side dish or starter.

This Moroccan stew can be made with canned or dried beans and on the stove-top as well as in a pressure cooker such as an instant pot or crockpot. Below you'll find instructions for both methods.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This Moroccan White Bean Stew is an easy one-pot meal that's ready in 30 minutes.
• It's packed with nutrients as well as flavor.
• It can be prepared in a conventional pot or an Instant Pot.
• It makes a great meal-prep dish.
• It's freezer-friendly.

Ingredients & Substitution Notes

• White Beans: They are the main ingredient in this Moroccan loubia recipe. Depending on the cooking method, you could use white dry beans (Instant Pot) or canned white beans (stove-top/ traditional pot). Either way, choose "slightly bigger" white beans such as Cannellini beans for the recipe to turn out perfect. Navy beans or great northern beans will work as well. If you choose smaller beans, make sure to adjust the cooking time- otherwise, you could end up with overcooked beans.
• Fresh Tomatoes: The gravy for this stew is made from fresh tomatoes simmering in veggie broth and spices. You could use canned chopped tomatoes instead but the taste will change a bit (slightly more acidic). We recommend using fresh tomatoes if possible.
• Tomato Paste: Is used to enhance the tomato flavors.
• Spices: Proper seasoning with Moroccan spices is essential for creating the specific taste of this comforting stew.
• Vegetable Broth: adds some additional flavor (and more flavor than simply cooking them in water). If you don't need this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan, you could use chicken broth instead.
• Fresh herbs: not 100% essential but I highly recommend sprinkling the dish with some fresh cilantro or fresh parsley shortly before serving.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Loubia on the Stovetop

Preparing Loubia in a conventional pot on the stove-top is your first option when it comes to making this delicious stew. When preparing it on the stove-top, I would recommend using canned instead of dried beans because it's so much quicker.

Step 1: Prepare tomato base

Heat some olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic and fry while constantly stirring until onion is translucent. Add fresh tomatoes and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until tomatoes are soft.

Add the spices (paprika, smoked paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, salt & black pepper) and cook for another minute for the spices to release their flavors.

Step 2: Add veggie broth & beans

Once the tomatoes are really soft and mushy, add the veggie broth, tomato paste and drained canned beans. Let the mix simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the stew starts to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.

How to Make Loubia in the Instant Pot

The second cooking method requires a pressure cooker such as an Instant Pot.

Step 1: Soak beans

Start by soaking the dry white beans overnight. It's really important to not skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare tomato mix

The next step is the same as preparing it on the stove-top. Set your instant pot on saute mode. Add olive oil, onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until onion is soft and translucent.

Add fresh tomatoes and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until tomatoes are soft.

Add the spices (paprika, smoked paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, salt & black pepper) and cook for another minute for the spices to release their flavors. Once the tomatoes are soft, add the veggie broth, tomato paste and drained dry beans.

Step 3: Pressure cook & release

Secure the lid, set the instant pot on high and pressure cook for 17 minutes (don't forget to turn the pressure release handle into "sealing position").

Once the time is up, let natural release for 15 minutes (simply leave the pressure release switch in the sealed position when the cook time ends for another 15 minutes). Then quick release by moving the release handle into "venting position".

I usually use a knife or something similar so that I don't need to touch the handle with my fingers and risk burning from the hot steam. Then carefully open the lid.

You should now be left with soft beans in a thick sauce. If the sauce is still quite watery, press saute mode again and let simmer until the sauce thickens.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Variations

Feel free to adjust the taste of this dish by adding some some additional add-ins and toppings.

• Red Pepper Flakes: feel free to add some red pepper or chili flakes to create a spicier version
• Yogurt: add a dollop of natural yogurt, this will result in a creamy, fresh taste!
• Feta: Makes an amazing add-in and will leave you with some additional taste.

Side Dish Suggestions

• Bread: Loubia is generally served with fresh bread as a main dish but can also be enjoyed as a starter or a side dish. Any type of crusty bread such as pita works well. For some homemade bread, try this Vegan Garlic Naan.
• Potatoes: Baked potatoes or mashed potatoes both make a great side dish as well.

Top tips

• Bean Size: Don't choose small beans or you'll end up with overcooked beans. The cooking time and liquid works perfect for slightly "bigger" beans such as Cannellini, Navy or Great Northern beans.
• Fresh herbs: sprinkle the finished dish with some fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro- it adds such amazing additional flavor!

Storage

• To store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on low heat on the stovetop of in the instant pot.
• To freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Make sure to store it in a freezer-friendly container.

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