Lubya is a flavorful Afghan kidney bean curry starring tender kidney beans, fragrant spices, and tangy tomatoes. Rich, aromatic, and utterly delicious!
Lubya - Afghan Curry
Curry, as a culinary concept, has a complex and diverse history, and its presence in Afghanistan is influenced by the region's rich cultural heritage. Afghanistan has been a melting pot of various cultural influences throughout history, including Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences, which have shaped its cuisine.
The origins of curry in Afghanistan can be traced back to the Mughal Empire, which spanned across the Indian subcontinent and had a significant impact on Afghan culture and cuisine. The Mughals introduced a variety of spices and cooking techniques, including the concept of curries, to the region.
Lubya, the Afghan kidney bean curry, is a dish that embodies the fusion of these culinary influences. It combines the hearty and nutritious nature of kidney beans, a staple ingredient in Afghan cuisine, with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, reminiscent of Indian and Persian flavors.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you'll need:
- Kidney beans: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and nutritious base.
- Onions and garlic: Adding aromatic flavors and depth to the curry.
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper, creating a harmonious blend of warm and earthy flavors.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste contribute tanginess and a rich tomato flavor.
- Vegetable broth or water: Providing the liquid base for the curry.
- Salt: Enhancing the overall taste and balancing the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic and providing a smooth texture to the curry.
- Fresh cilantro: Used for garnishing and adding a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
- Lemon wedges: Squeezing lemon juice over the curry adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
- Cooked basmati rice or Afghan bread: Served alongside the curry, these options complete the meal and provide a satisfying accompaniment.
If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!
Print📖 Recipe
Lubya (Afghan Kidney Bean Curry)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Lubya is a flavorful Afghan kidney bean curry starring tender kidney beans, fragrant spices, and tangy tomatoes. Rich, aromatic, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (divided)
-
½ tablespoon whole coriander seed
-
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
-
½ teaspoon dried mint (optional)
-
4 tomatoes, finely diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
-
1 small red onion, small dice, some reserved for garnish
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 cups cooked kidney beans (2 400g cans) , rinsed and drained
-
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
-
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
-
cilantro for garnish
-
basmati rice, to serve
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the coriander and cumin and cook for about a minute or until the aromatic and a shade darker. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.
-
Add the dried mint and the tomatoes and their juices to the pot (watch for splattering!), and mash them a little. Add the vegetable broth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for around 7 minutes until they break down and are saucy. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth, making sure to vent.
-
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot and melt over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden. Then add the minced garlic, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't burn.
-
Once the onions are nice and caramelized add the broth, the spiced tomato sauce, kidney beans, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 15 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
-
Garnish with cilantro (if desired) and minced red onion and serve with basmati rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Meal
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Afghanistan, Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 563
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Sodium: 790mg (34%)
- Fat: 7.7g (10%)
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g (6%)
- Carbohydrates: 95.9g (35%)
- Fiber: 18.8g (67%)
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Comments
No Comments