Authentic Georgian Lobiani Recipe: Traditional Bean-Stuffed Bread

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of white flour
  • 10 grams of dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 250 ml of warm water
  • 200 grams of cooked and mashed red kidney beans
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the warm water to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, prepare the bean filling. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent.
  5. Add the mashed beans, red pepper flakes, and coriander to the onion mixture. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes. Take off the heat and let it cool.
  6. When the dough has risen, divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin and spoon some of the bean mixture in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal the filling inside. Flatten the filled dough again with the rolling pin.
  7. Place the filled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for about 15 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
  9. Bake the Lobiani for about 20 minutes or until they become golden brown.
  10. Take the Lobiani out of the oven and let them cool before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier option.
  • Add some grated cheese to the bean filling for extra flavor.
  • Replace the red kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different taste.
  • Add some cooked ground meat (such as beef or lamb) to the bean filling for a meaty version.
  • Try different seasonings and spices in the bean filling, such as cumin, paprika, or smoked chili powder.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh cilantro or parsley, to enhance the flavor of the filling.
  • Add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or tomatoes, to the bean filling for added texture and freshness.
  • Instead of baking, you can also pan-fry the Lobiani in a little oil for a crispy exterior.
  • Make mini-sized Lobiani by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

Lobiani is a traditional Georgian bread filled with a delicious and savory red kidney bean mixture. This hearty dish is typically enjoyed on holidays and special occasions, but it's also perfect for a satisfying everyday meal. Making Lobiani involves baking homemade bread stuffed with a savory filling, which makes for a comforting and filling dish. The dough for the bread is easy to prepare and the filling, made from cooked and mashed kidney beans combined with flavorful spices, is both nutritious and tasty. Expect to enjoy the process of kneading dough, preparing the filling, and baking these lovely breads. The result is a beautiful batch of Lobiani with a golden crust and a rich, flavorful filling, ready to be shared and enjoyed!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour. However, note that the texture and taste of the final product may differ slightly.
  2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast. The conversion ratio is 2:1, meaning you will need 20 grams of fresh yeast instead of 10 grams of dry yeast.
  3. Can I use canned red kidney beans instead of cooked and mashed beans? Yes, you can use canned red kidney beans. Simply drain and rinse them before mashing.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it spicier or milder? Certainly! Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
  5. Can I freeze Lobiani? Yes, Lobiani can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
  • Frying Pan - Used to sauté the onions and garlic for the bean filling.
  • Rolling Pin - To flatten the dough balls and shape the Lobiani.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet to place the filled dough balls for baking.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.

Origin stories

Lobiani hails from the picturesque country of Georgia, nestled between the soaring Caucasus Mountains and the brilliant Black Sea. In Georgia, every bread has a tale and Lobiani is no exception. Traditionally, Lobiani is baked on Barbaroba, or St. Barbara's Day, celebrated on December 17, in honor of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. The red kidney bean filling was a symbol of the once-abundant copper and iron ores in the region; while the white bread crust represented silver and gold. Today, this humble, yet hearty bread, filled with a spiced bean paste, is a staple in every Georgian household, enjoyed in the bustling city cafés of Tbilisi as much as in the serene countryside. Its rich, earthy flavor is a testament to Georgia's centuries-old culinary heritage and its people's enduring love for good, simple food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.