Khorak-e Loobia - Red Kidney Beans Side Dish

This is a tasty and healthy dish that my mother used to make frequently when I was growing up. خوراک لوبیا Khorak-e loobia is one of my favorite side dishes of all time and I make it fairly often. I like to add a generous amount of lemon juice after beans are cooked.

Khorak-e Loobia - Kidney Beans Dish

Ingredients:

Serves 4-6

2 cups red kidney beans

2 large onions, finely chopped

4 large cloves of garlic, minced

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Juice of 2-3 lemons/lime (use more if you prefer)

Salt and pepper to taste

Water

Method:

1. Pick over the beans, rinse thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. 
2. Pour the water out, rinse and place the beans in a large pot, add 6 cups of water, bring to a rapid boil on high heat, reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes over medium-high heat. 
3. Drain the beans in a colander, return them back into the pot, add enough water to cover the beans by two inches, cover and cook for an hour on medium heat. 
4. In a skillet, saute the chopped onions in olive oil until golden brown.
5. Add garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.
6.  Then add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper, stir well, saute for another couple of minutes.
7.  Add a cup of warm water, simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. 
8. Pour the content of the skillet – onion, garlic, and sauce mixture into the pot, stir.
9.  Add lemon juice, taste and adjust the seasoning, cover and simmer for another 20-30 minutes.

Khorak-e loobia can be served warm or cold.

Enjoy!