Lobiani

Lobiani is a traditional Georgian dish, similar to Khachapuri, but instead of cheese, it is filled with a bean mixture. The name "Lobiani" comes from the Georgian word "lobio", which means "beans". The dish is especially popular for the Georgian holiday Barbaroba.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of Lobiani are white beans, flour, onions, and spices. The beans are soaked overnight, then boiled until soft. They are then mashed and mixed with sautéed onions and spices to create the filling. The dough is made from flour, water, salt, and yeast. It is rolled out into a circle, the bean mixture is spread on top, and then the dough is folded over the filling and sealed. The Lobiani is then baked until golden brown.

Variations

There are several variations of Lobiani. In some regions of Georgia, the beans are not mashed but left whole. Some recipes add meat to the bean mixture, while others add cheese. There are also variations in the type of dough used, with some recipes using puff pastry dough instead of the traditional yeast dough.

Cultural Significance

Lobiani is traditionally eaten on Barbaroba, the Georgian holiday celebrating Saint Barbara. According to tradition, Saint Barbara was fond of beans, so Georgians eat Lobiani on this day in her honor. The dish is also popular for other celebrations and is often served at feasts and gatherings.

See Also

• Khachapuri
• Georgian cuisine
• Barbaroba

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