Лобио с грецкими орехами (Lobio Salad with Walnuts)

Georgian Fast Without Oil Published April 10, 2026

If hot lobio is winter comfort, this cold version is the dish you want on a warm spring fasting day. Cooked kidney beans dressed with a thick walnut vinaigrette, studded with raw onion, showered in cilantro and dill, sharpened with red wine vinegar. It is a salad only in the loosest sense — it is dense, protein-rich, and enormously filling.

This is the kind of food that sits on a Georgian supra (feast table) alongside a dozen other dishes, but it can just as easily anchor a fasting lunch on its own with bread and pickles.

FASTING LEVEL: Strict Fast (no oil required; walnuts provide all the fat)
SERVINGS: 4-6
TIME: 20 minutes (plus bean cooking time, or use canned)

INGREDIENTS

- 400g cooked kidney beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 120g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon blue fenugreek (utskho suneli)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- A large handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- A small handful of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish (in season)

METHOD

1. If the red onion is too sharp for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well. Georgian cooks typically do not bother with this step — they like the bite.

2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, coriander, blue fenugreek, cayenne, vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the rest.

3. Place the beans in a large bowl. Add the onion, walnuts, cilantro, and dill.

4. Pour the spiced vinegar dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. You want the dressing to coat every bean without crushing them.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors marry.

6. Serve at room temperature, garnished with pomegranate seeds if available.

NOTES

- This is a strict-fast recipe by nature. No oil is needed — the walnuts provide richness and body.
- For a creamier version, grind half the walnuts to a paste and leave the other half in rough pieces.
- This is better after an hour of resting. It keeps refrigerated for 3 days.
- Add thinly sliced celery or grated carrot for crunch if you like.