Loubia (Moroccan White Bean Stew in Tomato Sauce)

Loubia is a Moroccan white bean stew simmered in a spiced tomato sauce until thick and creamy. It is comfort food eaten with crusty bread and often appears at family tables during Ramadan.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 cup vegetable stock or water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Saute the aromatics
   Heat the olive oil in a pot and cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Build the sauce
   Stir in the tomato paste, then add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, ginger, and cayenne.
3. Add the beans
   Stir in the white beans and stock, then bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer
   Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beans turn creamy.
5. Season and finish
   Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
   Serve warm with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle.