LOBIO GUPTA
The Georgian word ‘lobio’ (Georgian: ლობიო) means ‘beans’ and there are a number of varieties of lobio dishes. In this recipe we show how to make Lobio Gupta, an appetizer made with walnuts, green onion, garlic and spices and served cold.
Ingredients: 400 grams of lobio (kidney beans), 150 grams of walnuts, 40 grams of green onions, 40 grams of fresh green coriander, 2 cloves of garlic, 3-4 bay leaves, 1 level tsp of black pepper, 1 heaped tsp of dried marigold, and parsley (for garnish).
Preparation: Soak the beans in a deep cooking pot of cold water for two hours prior to cooking. Drain water and add the bay leaves and up to 2 liters of fresh water.
Cook on a medium heat until the beans are tender. Pour out most of the water.
Add 2 tbs of oil and use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans. Transfer the mashed beans to a mixing bowl.
Use a mortar and pestle to crush the walnuts and garlic together.
Chop the green onions and fresh green coriander and add, together with the crushed walnuts, to the mashed lobio. Add 1 level tsp of black pepper and 1 heaped tsp of dried marigold.
Mix thoroughly.
Serving: We shaped the mixture into balls and garnished with fresh parsley. Serve cold. In Georgia, these appetizers would be eaten with Mchadi (Georgian cornbread).
Enjoy your Lobio Gupta!
