Kidney Bean Curry: Afghan Lubya Recipe
Lubya, also known as Afghan kidney bean curry, is a traditional vegan recipe. You can have a flavorful and hearty plant-based dinner using a few ingredients in only 30 minutes! Serve over rice, or enjoy as a hearty stew that is also gluten-free!
Afghan kidney bean curry, also known as lubya, is a popular dish from Afghanistan made with kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This simple dish is hearty and bursting with flavor.
The flavor of Afghan kidney bean curry is soft and warm. The combination of aromatic seasonings of cumin, coriander, and garlic gives the dish a warm and earthy flavor.
The tomato base adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish, while the kidney beans provide a hearty and satisfying texture. I recommend serving with rice and garnishing with cilantro, green onions, and lime. Yogurt is also a popular garnish.
I love that lubya is vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free! Which allows me to make a large batch for my family and meet every dietary preference!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Lubya is a satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights.
- The base of this recipe is beans and rice, which makes it very affordable.
- Afghan kidney bean curry is simple yet also has a complex flavor profile.
Ingredients
Red Kidney Beans – These are the heart of this recipe. I prefer to use canned kidney beans for convenience. However, you can also use dried.
Tomatoes – I use canned tomatoes. They are easy, convenient, and always in my pantry. However, you can substitute fresh tomatoes at a 1:1 ratio. You will need to cook them longer to break them down.
Onion – Red onion has a strong flavor that adds to this dish. Substitutions include white or yellow onions.
Garlic – Minced garlic brings out the best flavor for this recipe. In a pinch, you can substitute garlic paste or even garlic salt. Instead of a 1:1 ratio, I recommend using a smaller quantity and seasoning to taste.
Step by Step Instructions
Step One: Bloom the Spices
Warm a tablespoon of oil over low-medium heat in a heavy bottom pot. Stir in coriander, cumin, and a pinch of salt—Cook for one minute. The spices should bloom and become aromatic.
Step Two: Cook Tomatoes
Add the canned tomatoes and their juices to the spices. Cook until the tomatoes have softened, about seven-ten minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Step Three: Saute Onions and Garlic
Using the same skillet, warm the other tablespoon of oil over low to medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 7 minutes. Limit stirring the onions so that they caramelize. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step Four: Combine Ingredients
Add the vegetable broth, blended tomatoes, and kidney beans to the sauteed onion mix. Mix well. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to the desired taste.
Step Five: Cook Rice
Cook brown rice or white rice according to the directions in the package.
Step Six: Assemble and Garnish
Scoop a serving of rice into a plate or bowl. Top with curry. Garnish as desired.
Additions and Variations
Indian Curry-ish – This recipe can be modified with classic Indian seasonings. Do this by adding two teaspoons of garam masala and one teaspoon of paprika when blooming the coriander and cumin. I also recommend topping each bowl with fresh ginger.
Garbanzo Beans – Out of kidney beans? No problem; garbanzo beans work well with this recipe.
Spicy – Add jalapeno or Aleppo pepper to spice this dish up a notch.
Coconut Milk – Substitute half of the vegetable broth with half a can of full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy curry.
FAQs
Lubya is simple, and I prefer to serve it with an easy side salad and bread.
Refrigerator instructions – Let the curry cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer instructions: Transfer the curry to room temperature in an airtight container or freezer bag. Lubya can be stored this way for up to three months. Transfer the container to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to thaw. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove or the microwave, occasionally stirring. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the curry if needed.
Afghan Kidney Bean Curry (Lubya)
Equipment
- Medium-heavy bottom pot
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided into 2
- 1 tablespoon coriander (8g)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (2g)
- 1 15 ounce canned diced tomatoes (28g)
- 1 medium onion, red, yellow, or white (110g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 15 ounce canned kidney beans (57g) drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth (235g)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup basmati rice (185g)
Instructions
Lubya
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep skillet over low-medium heat.
- Add the coriander, cumin, and salt to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes and their juices to the skillet and cook until softened and easily split with a spatula, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the tomatoes from burning.
- Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over low-medium heat.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened and caramelized, about 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Add the blended tomato sauce, kidney beans, broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Basmati Rice
- Cook the rice according to the package directions.
Love a good bean curry and this looks wholesome and hearty. Lovely to get an Afghan recipe. I’ve not read that book, but I loved The Kite Runner.
Thank you Choclette. I highly recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns. I have read it three times now. Khaled Hosseini is a beautiful writer.