Kidney Bean Lobio

We are now in the midst of nine days of mourning for destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. During these days we do not eat meat or drink wine, as both are considered joyful. There are a few other restrictions, but in order to incorporate proteins in our meals, we have historically come up with a variety of vegetarian dishes. Here is one of our favorites. Enjoy, Beautiful People!

koolkosherkitchen

Every time I make lobio, or any other Georgian dishes (that’s a country, not a state), it reminds me not only of the majestic Caucasus mountains, but also of the unique culture of Georgian people. Militant, fiercely independent, yet exceptionally warm and hospitable to strangers, they are fond of traditional, hours-long feasts with an endless stream of various dishes, all fragrant with exotic spices, all colorful and flavorful, many with walnuts or almonds, and lots of vegetables. Georgians are famous both for their wines and for their elaborate, long-winded toasts. At every supra (feast), there is a toastmaster, called tamada, who calls the next toast. Best and most creative toastmakers are highly respected.

The famous unbelievably delicious Georgian wines are drunk from kantsi, drinking horns, like the one hanging on my wall, presented to me by a gracious host with a disclaimer: it is really small, made…

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