If cozy comfort food and bold flavors had a baby, it would be this Loubia Recipe. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this Moroccan white bean stew is one of those dishes that feels like a hug after a long day. Whether you’re racing through a busy weeknight or craving something nourishing yet simple, this recipe checks all the boxes—fast, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
As a chef, I love recipes that work just as hard as we do. And trust me, this Loubia Recipe is a quiet kitchen hero. One pot, pantry staples, and 30 minutes later, your kitchen smells like a Moroccan bistro (no passport required).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Loubia Recipe
Let me count the ways—because there are many.
- Weeknight-friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-conscious: Beans, tomatoes, spices. That’s it.
- Vegetarian & satisfying: Protein-packed and filling without feeling heavy.
- Flexible cooking methods: Stovetop or Instant Pot.
- Flavor-packed: Smoky paprika, cumin, garlic, and tomatoes bring major depth.
This is the kind of dish you make once… then keep coming back to whenever life feels hectic and you need dinner now.
What Is Loubia? (A Quick Kitchen Chat)
Loubia is a classic Moroccan white bean stew traditionally simmered with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and warm spices. In many homes, it’s served bubbling hot with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that rich sauce. Some versions include meat—but today we’re celebrating a vegetarian Loubia Recipe that’s just as comforting and bold.
I’ve made this dish countless times for friends who “aren’t big bean people.” Funny thing? They always ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this cozy bowl of goodness. Simple ingredients. Big flavor.
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Spices (The Flavor Makers)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but lovely)
- ⅓ teaspoon turmeric
Beans & Liquid
For Stovetop:
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) white beans (Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern)
- 1 cup veggie broth
For Instant Pot:
- ¾ cup dried white beans (soaked overnight)
- 1½–2 cups veggie broth
How to Make This Loubia Recipe (Stovetop Method)
Perfect if you want something fast and fuss-free.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic. Sauté, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until soft and juicy.
- Add all the spices—cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to wake them up.
- Stir in tomato paste, veggie broth, and drained canned beans.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Finish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita or naan.
That’s it. One pot. Zero stress.
Instant Pot Loubia Recipe (Hands-Off Magic)
When you want dinner cooking itself—this method shines.
- Soak dried beans overnight, covering them with at least 2 inches of water.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft.
- Add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in spices and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, veggie broth, and drained soaked beans.
- Secure lid. Set to High Pressure for 17 minutes.
- Let natural release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick-release.
- If sauce is thin, use Sauté mode to simmer until thickened.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Chef Omar’s Cooking Tips (Read This!)
- Don’t skip soaking if using dried beans—it saves time and improves texture.
- Big beans only. Smaller beans can overcook and turn mushy.
- If your sauce looks rebellious and watery—relax. A few minutes on sauté will tame it.
- Use a utensil (not fingers!) for pressure release. Steam burns are not a vibe.
A Little Kitchen Story
This Loubia Recipe became a staple in my kitchen after a group of friends showed up unannounced one evening—hungry, tired, and curious about “whatever smells amazing.” I had beans, tomatoes, and spices. Thirty minutes later, silence at the table… followed by, “You’re making this again, right?”
That’s when you know a recipe’s a keeper.
FAQs About This Loubia Recipe
Can I use different beans?
Stick to Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern beans. They hold their shape best.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
Can I add toppings?
Absolutely. Feta, yogurt, or chili flakes are all delicious add-ins.
Serving Ideas
- With warm pita, naan, or crusty bread
- Over rice or couscous
- Topped with fresh cilantro or parsley
- With a simple cucumber-tomato salad on the side

One Last Spoonful of Inspiration
This Loubia Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need hours in the kitchen or a long grocery list. It’s warm, nourishing, and full of soul—just the kind of meal that brings people together around the table.
So grab your pot, trust the spices, and let this humble Moroccan stew work its magic. Once you try it, I promise—it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
More Cozy Bean Dishes You’ll Love
If this Loubia Recipe warmed your heart (and your kitchen), here are a few more comforting bean-based dishes to keep the good food vibes going. Each one pairs beautifully with the flavors and simplicity you just enjoyed—perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or anytime you’re craving something nourishing and satisfying:
- [Comforting white bean tomato soup](https://pulserecipes.com/white-bean-tomato-soup/) brings the same tomato-rich coziness in a smooth, spoonable form that’s ideal for lunch or light dinners.
- [Hearty Greek white bean soup](https://pulserecipes.com/greek-white-bean-soup/) offers a Mediterranean spin with tender beans, olive oil richness, and deeply comforting flavors.
- [Burst tomato basil butter beans](https://pulserecipes.com/burst-tomato-basil-butter-beans/) are perfect when you want something vibrant, fresh, and quick—yet still deeply satisfying.
- [Moroccan Instant Pot lentils](https://pulserecipes.com/moroccan-instant-pot-lentils/) are a wonderful next step if you loved the pressure-cooker method and bold Moroccan spices.
- [Authentic Moroccan loubia from Salima’s Kitchen](https://salimaskitchen.com/loubia/) is a lovely way to explore the traditional roots and cultural story behind this beloved white bean stew.
Each of these dishes builds on the same comforting spirit as this Loubia Recipe—simple ingredients, big flavor, and meals made to be shared.
Print
Loubia Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Loubia Recipe is a comforting Moroccan white bean stew made with tomatoes, warm spices, and olive oil. Ready in 30 minutes using stovetop or Instant Pot.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
⅓ teaspoon turmeric
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Stovetop:
1 can white beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
Instant Pot:
¾ cup dried white beans, soaked overnight
1½–2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
Stovetop Method
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and translucent.
Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in spices, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
Add tomato paste, broth, and beans.
Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Instant Pot Method
Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic.
Cook until onion is soft, then add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes.
Add spices, tomato paste, broth, and soaked beans.
Pressure cook on High for 17 minutes.
Natural release for 15 minutes, then vent.
Simmer on sauté if needed to thicken. Serve warm.
Notes
Use larger white beans like cannellini or Great Northern.
Always soak dried beans for best texture.
Optional toppings: fresh herbs, yogurt, feta, chili flakes.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
