Marka Hloua / Loubia Tunisienne (Tunisian Harissa & Caraway White Bean Stew) – Authentic Tunisia Recipe

Ingredients for Marka Hloua / Loubia Tunisienne (Tunisian Harissa & Caraway White Bean Stew) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) creamy white cannellini beans, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crushed plum tomatoes and carrots, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup crusty bread
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Tunisian harissa
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Tunisia seasoning (caraway and cumin seeds, 4 cloves garlic, olive oil, parsley)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and Tunisian harissa for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in caraway and cumin seeds, 4 cloves garlic, olive oil, parsley and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Tunisia's kitchen.
3. Add creamy white cannellini beans and crushed plum tomatoes and carrots, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in crusty bread, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.