Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Smoky Algerian Loubia with Cumin and Chili Oil

Name: Smoky Algerian Loubia with Cumin and Chili Oil
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 165 min
Total time: 220 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Dried white beans, 1 lb, soaked overnight; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Onion, finely chopped, 1 large; Garlic, minced, 3 cloves; Red bell pepper, diced, 1; Smoked paprika, 2 tsp; Ground cumin, 1 tsp; Saffron threads, 1 pinch (optional); Vegetable broth, 6 cups; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil, 1/3 cup; Crushed red pepper flakes, 2 tsp; Ground cumin, 1/2 tsp; Garlic, smashed, 1 clove

This classic Algerian stew, known as "Loubia," is a comforting dish made with tender white beans in a rich, smoky, and aromatic broth, topped with a homemade chili oil for extra flavor and heat.

4.7(967 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 12, 2026

Smoky Algerian Loubia with Cumin and Chili Oil — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

55 min

Cook

2 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Stew

For the Chili Oil

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 448 kcal
Protein: 17.83 g
Carbs: 52.67 g
Fat: 17.5 g
Fiber: 13.17 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2688 kcal
Protein: 107 g
Carbs: 316 g
Fat: 105 g
Fiber: 79 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Dried white beans 1 lb, soaked overnight	1560	100	280	4	70
Olive oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	28	0
Onion, finely chopped 1 large	45	1	11	0	2
Garlic, minced 3 cloves	13	1	3	0	0
Red bell pepper, diced 1	31	1	7	0	2
Smoked paprika 2 tsp	12	1	2	1	1
Ground cumin 1 tsp	8	0	1	0	1
Saffron threads 1 pinch (optional)	1	0	0	0	0
Vegetable broth 6 cups	60	4	10	0	2
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Olive oil 1/3 cup	640	0	0	72	0
Crushed red pepper flakes 2 tsp	6	0	1	0	0
Ground cumin 1/2 tsp	4	0	0	0	1
Garlic, smashed 1 clove	4	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prepping the Beans

1
Drain and Rinse Beans
Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
Tip: Soak the beans overnight to cut down on cooking time and enhance their texture.
2
Cover with Water
In a large pot, cover beans with fresh water.
3
Boil and Simmer
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Stew Base

1
Heat Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Sauté Vegetables
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
3
Add Spices
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and saffron, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Tip: Do not let the spices burn, as they can become bitter. Pro Tip: Toast spices before adding liquid to enhance their flavor.