Name: Moroccan White Bean Stew (Loubia) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491760H49S
Total time: PT-491760H49S
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional); ⅓ teaspoon turmeric; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Dash of salt & black pepper; 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) canned white beans (Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern), drained; 1 cup (230 ml) vegetable broth; ¾ cup (140 g) dry white beans (Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern), soaked overnight and drained; 1 ½ – 2 cups (345 – 460 ml) vegetable broth

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Introduction

Loubia is a comforting Moroccan white bean stew, richly flavored with warm spices and fresh tomatoes. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, this hearty dish is perfect served with warm bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

A black cast iron pan filled with thick, rich baked beans in a deep orange-brown sauce, showing white beans and chunks of reddish-brown meat mixed in, topped with small green cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper in the center. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin to the right, a small white bowl with black pepper, and another white bowl with red spice at the bottom right. To the left, there are two folded white flour tortillas with light brown spots, and fresh green cilantro sprigs partly visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional)
⅓ teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Dash of salt & black pepper
Conventional Pot: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) canned white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), drained
Conventional Pot: 1 cup (230 ml) vegetable broth
Instant Pot: ¾ cup (140 g) dry white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), soaked overnight and drained
Instant Pot: 1 ½ – 2 cups (345 – 460 ml) vegetable broth

Instructions

Step 1: For the conventional pot, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. For the Instant Pot, set it to sauté mode and add olive oil.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking while stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer until they soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the spices—ground cumin, paprika, smoked paprika (if using), turmeric, salt, and black pepper—and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
Step 5: For the stovetop, add vegetable broth, tomato paste, and the drained canned beans. Let simmer 5-10 minutes until the stew thickens. For the Instant Pot, add vegetable broth, tomato paste, and soaked beans. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 17 minutes.
Step 6: For the Instant Pot, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. If the sauce is watery, use sauté mode to thicken it.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, alongside pita or naan bread.

Tips & Variations

Soaking dry beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility for the Instant Pot method.
Use smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor, or omit for a milder stew.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt before serving.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A black cast iron pan filled with a thick stew made of creamy white beans and soft tomato pieces in a rich orange-brown sauce, topped with a small sprinkle of fresh green herb leaves at the center. The texture looks chunky and slightly glossy, filling the pan almost to the rim. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with some beige cloth and a small white dish with orange-red powder visible at the edges of the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute with any white beans like Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini beans. Just adjust cooking times if using dry beans.

Is it necessary to soak the dry beans for the Instant Pot method?

While you can cook unsoaked beans in the Instant Pot, soaking them overnight reduces cooking time and helps improve texture and digestibility.