Zesty Loubia Moroccan White Bean Stew Recipe – Magic in a Pot

Warm spices and hearty white beans dance together in this comforting loubia moroccan white bean stew that promises to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Rich culinary traditions from North Africa shine through every spoonful of this deeply satisfying dish.

Moroccan home cooks have perfected this recipe over generations, combining simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Tender beans simmer slowly with robust seasonings, creating a deeply flavorful meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Each bite tells a story of moroccan hospitality and culinary heritage.

The stew comes together effortlessly whether you choose the stovetop or instant pot method.

Weekend meals or weeknight dinners are about to get a delicious upgrade with this soulful, nourishing recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes (Stovetop) / 45 minutes (Instant Pot, including soaking time)

Total Time: 40-55 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Loubia (Moroccan White Bean Stew): Ingredient List

• White Beans: Hearty protein powerhouse that forms the soul of this Moroccan stew, choose fresh, plump beans with no cracks or discoloration.
• Olive Oil: Rich Mediterranean essence that helps sauté aromatics and adds smooth, velvety texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a deep, savory base, select firm onions and fresh garlic cloves for maximum punch.

• Ground Cumin, Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Warm, earthy spices that transport your taste buds to Moroccan streets, choose high-quality, freshly ground spices for vibrant flavor.
• Turmeric: Golden spice that adds color and subtle warmth, look for bright, fragrant powder without clumps.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish.

• Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and additional layers of vegetable complexity, opt for low-sodium versions to control seasoning.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens and intensifies the stew's richness.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Juicy, bright component that adds freshness and acidity.

• Fresh Cilantro, Parsley: Vibrant green herbs that bring freshness and visual appeal, choose crisp, bright leaves with no wilting.

What You’ll Need for Loubia (Stovetop + Instant Pot)

• Large Pot or Instant Pot: Essential for cooking the entire stew, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise and clean vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices for perfect flavor balance.
• Can Opener: Needed if using canned white beans.
• Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing beans.

Cooking Instructions for Loubia the Traditional Way

• Aromatic Foundation

Start with a splash of olive oil in a large pot, warming it gently to create a fragrant base for your Moroccan bean adventure.

• Flavor Awakening

Toss in finely chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften until they become translucent and release their sweet essence.

• Tomato Transformation

Introduce chopped tomatoes to the pot, allowing them to simmer and break down into a rich, velvety sauce that forms the heart of the stew.

• Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a whisper of black pepper, stirring to awaken the deep, complex flavors of North African cuisine.

• Bean and Broth Fusion

Combine tender white beans with vegetable broth and a dollop of tomato paste, creating a luxurious, hearty stew that speaks to comfort and tradition.

• Simmering Magic

Let the stew bubble gently, thickening and melding flavors until it reaches a perfect, soul-warming consistency.

• Herbal Finale

Crown your creation with a generous handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, bringing a burst of brightness and freshness to the rich, warm stew.

Flavor Tips for Moroccan Loubia

• Swap white beans with chickpeas or kidney beans for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Add diced chicken, lamb, or tofu to transform this vegetarian stew into a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Experiment with harissa paste or ras el hanout for an extra layer of authentic Moroccan complexity that elevates the standard spice blend.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare a larger batch and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future quick meals.

Presenting Loubia at the Table

• Hearty Bread Companion: Warm, soft pita or naan bread becomes the perfect scoop for this rich Moroccan bean stew, soaking up all those delicious spices and creating a complete meal.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Transform the loubia into a centerpiece of a vibrant mezze platter by adding hummus, olives, pickled vegetables, and a fresh salad for a colorful and nutritious dining experience.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the white bean stew over fluffy quinoa or brown rice, then top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a balanced and satisfying one-bowl meal.
• Vegetarian Feast Finale: Serve the loubia as a main course alongside roasted vegetable platters, light cucumber salads, and a tangy yogurt sauce to create a memorable vegetarian dinner that celebrates Moroccan culinary traditions.

Loubia – Storage Tips

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare large quantities of this Loubia stew and divide into meal-sized portions for quick weekday lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly Champion: This white bean stew freezes exceptionally well in airtight containers for up to 3 months, maintaining its rich flavors and hearty texture when reheated slowly.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in sealed containers and consume within 4-5 days, ensuring maximum taste and food safety by storing at 40°F or below.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Allow the stew to rest overnight in the refrigerator, which helps the spices meld together, creating an even more delicious and complex taste profile when reheated.

Hearty Loubia Moroccan White Bean Stew

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40-55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty loubia brings authentic Moroccan flavors to comfort meals with tender white beans and rich spices. Warm spoon-tender legumes create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), drained
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika powder (optional)
• 0.33 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup vegetable broth (for conventional pot)
• 1.5 – 2 cups vegetable broth (for instant pot)
• Dash of salt
• Dash of black pepper
• 0.75 cup dry white beans (Cannellini, Navy, Great Northern), soaked overnight

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
2. Tomato Foundation: Add diced tomatoes and cook until they break down, creating a robust sauce base for the stew.
3. Spice Infusion: Incorporate ground cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices and intensify their flavors.
4. Liquid Incorporation: Pour in vegetable broth and tomato paste, then add drained white beans, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmering Process: Allow the stew to gently simmer, reducing heat and letting flavors meld together while the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
6. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate the hot stew alongside warm pita or naan bread for a complete Moroccan-inspired meal.

Instant Pot Variation:

1. Bean Preparation: Soak dried white beans overnight in water, then drain before cooking.
2. Sauté Base: Use Instant Pot’s sauté function to create a flavorful foundation with olive oil, onions, and garlic.
3. Sauce Development: Add diced tomatoes, spices, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, stirring to combine with soaked beans.
4. Pressure Cooking: Secure lid and cook on high pressure for 17 minutes to ensure beans are perfectly tender.
5. Pressure Release: Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
6. Consistency Adjustment: If needed, use sauté mode to reduce and thicken the stew.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Soak Beans Smartly: Overnight soaking dramatically reduces cooking time and helps eliminate digestive discomfort by breaking down complex sugars.
• Spice Balance Matters: Toasting spices briefly before adding liquids intensifies their flavor profile, creating deeper and more robust taste dimensions.
• Liquid Adjustment Key: Different bean varieties and cooking methods require varying liquid quantities, so monitor and add broth gradually to prevent dryness or excess moisture.
• Herb Freshness Boosts: Adding fresh herbs at the end preserves their vibrant flavor and nutritional potency, transforming the dish’s overall sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (Stovetop) / 45 minutes (Instant Pot, including soaking time)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg