Lobiani: Georgian Flatbread with Beans

Lobiani: Georgian Flatbread with Beans

Lobiani is a Georgian flatbread filled with spiced beans: a variation of khachapuri where instead of cheese there are beans with onion, bacon and spices. Hearty and aromatic for a cold day.

History of the dish

Lobiani is traditionally made in western Georgia, especially in the Racha region. It is baked for both festivals and ordinary days. The name comes from 'lobi' — beans in Georgian. It is folk food, a symbol of Georgian hospitality.

Key ingredients

Yeasted or unleavened dough, cooked red or black beans, fried onion, bacon or lard, coriander, spices (khmeli-suneli, red pepper), salt.

How to cook at home

Mash the beans to a rough purée — not smooth. Add fried onion and bacon, season. Roll dough into a circle, place filling in the centre, fold the edges over, roll flat again. Cook on a dry griddle or bake.