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Comforting White Bean and Beef Dish

Featured in Cozy soups to warm your heart.

This classic stew brings together melt-in-your-mouth beef and creamy white beans in a dish inspired by North African cuisine. Though simple, it requires soaking the beans overnight and slow cooking to develop its rich flavors. The secret lies in the balanced use of cumin and ginger, along with a tomato-based sauce that ties everything together. It’s a soul-warming recipe that tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:13:17 GMT
Rich and Hearty White Beans Simmered with Beef and Spices Pin it
Rich and Hearty White Beans Simmered with Beef and Spices | Tastyhush.com

The enticing aroma of cumin and ginger wafting from the Dutch oven, fork-tender meat, and creamy white beans that have soaked up all the rich broth flavors - Loubia is more than just a dish, it's a culinary journey through Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe, passed down through generations, transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast through time-honored techniques and patient cooking.

The soul of Mediterranean cooking shines through in this traditional dish, where slow cooking transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Essential Ingredients

  • Beef (400g) - Chuck roast is ideal, becoming fork-tender after long braising
  • White Beans (250g) - Tarbais or navy beans work well. Overnight soaking is essential
  • Cumin (1 tbsp) - Freshly ground whole seeds provide the best flavor
  • Ginger (1 tbsp) - Fresh grated or powdered both work effectively

Cooking Method

1.
Bean Preparation
Soak beans overnight in cold water. Use a large bowl to allow for expansion.
2.
Browning the Meat
Sear beef pieces until golden brown. Allow each side to develop a proper crust.
3.
Aromatic Base
Sauté onions in the meat drippings until translucent. Toast spices to release their flavors.
4.
Slow Cooking
Combine all ingredients and simmer gently. Proper braising requires low, steady heat.

An enameled Dutch oven is ideal for this dish, developing deeper flavors with each use.

Serving Instructions

Serve directly from the cooking vessel at the table. Fresh bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Traditional Loubia - Authentic White Bean and Beef Stew Pin it
Traditional Loubia - Authentic White Bean and Beef Stew | Tastyhush.com

Regional Variations

Algerian versions often include merguez sausage. Moroccan preparations frequently use fresh cilantro instead of parsley.

Loubia embodies Mediterranean cooking's core values - respect for ingredients, patience in preparation, and the joy of sharing. This dish reminds us that great cooking cannot be rushed, with each step contributing to the final flavor. It creates a powerful connection to culinary heritage, bringing generations together around a steaming pot of comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can you use canned beans?
Absolutely, but make sure to rinse them well first, reduce the cooking time to about an hour, and adjust the liquid levels.
→ How do I make the beef super tender?
Brown the meat thoroughly at the start and let it cook slowly over low heat for the best texture.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What’s the best bread to serve with it?
It pairs wonderfully with a fresh baguette or a traditional flatbread for scooping up the sauce.
→ How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If it’s too thick, stir in some broth. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer.

Rich White Beans with Beef

A tasty slow-cooked meal with tender beef, soft white beans, and aromatic spices. Great for sharing at family meals.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: North African

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Vegetables and seasoning

01 3 tbsp olive oil
02 3 medium-sized carrots, sliced into rounds
03 1 large onion, chopped finely
04 2 garlic cloves, mashed
05 1 celery stalk, diced into small pieces

→ Meat and beans

06 250 g of dried white beans (needs soaking for 8-12 hours)
07 400 g beef (like stew beef), cut into chunks of 2-3 cm

→ Spices and sauce

08 600 ml beef broth or water
09 1 tbsp ground cumin
10 1 bay leaf
11 1 tbsp ground ginger
12 A mix of salt and freshly crushed black pepper to taste
13 200 ml tomato passata
14 2 tbsp tomato puree
15 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

A day ahead, put the white beans into a large bowl and let them soak in lots of cold water for 8 to 12 hours. When you’re ready to cook, drain and rinse them.

Step 02

In a large cooking pot, heat the olive oil and sear the beef pieces until they’re browned all over. Take them out of the pot and set them aside for later.

Step 03

Using the same pot, toss in the onion and cook until it looks slightly see-through. Mix in the carrots, celery, garlic, and your spices while stirring well.

Step 04

Pour in the tomato passata and tomato puree, then bring back the beef along with the beans, broth, and bay leaf. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Let everything simmer slowly on low heat for about 2 hours, or use a pressure cooker for 40 minutes. The beef should turn melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Notes

  1. This dish tastes even better if you make it a day ahead and reheat it.
  2. If you're pressed for time, swap dry beans for canned ones.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Large bowl for soaking beans

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g