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This easy Nigerian Beans Porridge and Fried Plantain recipe is for you. Yes! Especially if you are looking for something flavorful and different for dinner, no matter the time of year. This beloved combination of black eyed peas (or brown Nigerian honey beans) and fried plantains (either ripe and very ripe) is a staple in Nigerian households. Best of all it’s completely plant based. What sets this Nigerian beans porridge recipe apart is the combination of creamy beans with spicy, aromatic peppers, cooked in red palm oil – a West African staple – all complemented by the sweet and crispy fried plantains.

Plantains, often mistaken for bananas, are a versatile fruit used in many West African and Caribbean dishes. They are less sweet than bananas and more starchy, making them perfect for frying, baking, boiling and grilling. When paired with beans porridge, plantains add a natural contrast of texture and flavor. Though similar to chili, Nigerian beans porridge is unique in that it is spiced with Nigerian peppers and cooked in red palm oil, giving it a unique taste and vibrant color. 

What Makes Nigerian Beans Porridge Special?

Nigerian Beans Porridge is a staple dish in Nigeria. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The porridge is packed with protein and fiber from the beans, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The use of red palm oil adds a unique depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

If you can get your hands on them, use Nigerian brown honey beans

Nigerian brown honey beans, also known as “Ewa Oloyin” in Yoruba, are a variety of cowpeas prized for their sweet, buttery flavor and creamy texture. Unlike the more common black-eyed peas, which have a slightly earthy taste and firmer texture, honey beans cook to a softer consistency, making them ideal for porridge and stews. Both beans are highly nutritious, rich in protein and fiber, and can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Their mild flavors allow them to absorb seasonings really well. Whether you’re making this filling beans porridge recipe or a refreshing bean salad, swapping black-eyed peas with honey beans (if you can get your hands on them) can add a unique, slightly sweeter dimension to your meal.

Plantains: A perfect partner for your beans porridge

Plantains are a type of starchy fruit that is closely related to bananas. They are a staple food in many African countries, including Nigeria. Plantains can be enjoyed ripe or green. Ripe plantains are sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked. Green plantains are starchy and can be boiled, fried, or roasted. In this recipe, we’ll be frying the very ripe plantains to create a delicious  sweet and crispy contrast to the spicy creamy beans porridge. The great thing about plantains in this recipe is that whichever way you choose to prepare them, they partner amazingly well with the beans.

Beans Porridge and Plantain Ingredients List

What you’ll need to prepare this list is pretty simple, which is great. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

For the Beans Porridge

• Dried Black-Eyed Peas or Brown Honey Beans: These legumes are the base of the porridge, providing a hearty texture and a good dose of protein and fiber.
• Vegetable Broth: This broth adds savory depth and complements the earthy flavor of the beans. Water can be substituted if desired.
• Red Palm Oil: This vibrant oil adds a unique richness and characteristic orange color to the porridge. Its smoky flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully. Palm oil is a staple cooking ingredient in West African cuisine. Don’t skip it. It is not used as an oil, but also a seasoning. It brings a unique flavor to these beans
• Purple Onion: The onion adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Fresno Chilies: These mild chilies provide a hint of heat and a touch of smokiness. They are not always easy to find in the grocery store, but if you can get your hands on some, definitely add them. 
• Habanero Peppers (Optional): These fiery peppers add a kick of heat for those who enjoy a spicier dish.

For the Fried Plantains:

• Green Plantains: These starchy, unripe plantains are perfect for frying as they hold their shape well and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
• Vegetable Oil: The oil is used for frying the plantains until they reach a golden-brown crispiness.
• Salt: Just a sprinkle prior to frying will lift the sweet and savory notes of the plantains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Begin by soaking the beans in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, rinse the beans thoroughly in clean water to remove any debris.
2. Cook the Beans: In a pot, combine the soaked beans with 4 cups of vegetable broth or water and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender. If you have an Instant Pot, you can use it to cook the beans for even faster results.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: While the beans are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Roughly chop the onion and peppers. You can use a blender or food processor to pulse the vegetables for a smoother consistency. Heat the palm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped vegetables and saute for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
4. Combine the Beans and Vegetables: Once the vegetables are softened, add the cooked beans and 2-3 cups of water (or more depending on your desired consistency) to the skillet. Season with salt to taste and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Fry the Plantains: While the beans porridge is simmering, heat enough vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced plantains and fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain the fried plantains on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Nigerian Beans Porridge hot, served alongside the crispy fried plantains. This dish can also be enjoyed with rice, potatoes, African yam, sourdough bread, or on its own. For an extra flavorful touch, you can garnish your porridge with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced scotch bonnet peppers.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: This recipe is adjustable based on your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, start with one habanero pepper and add more to taste. You can also substitute the habanero peppers with jalapenos for a milder flavor.
• Leftovers: Nigerian Beans Porridge reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply simmer the porridge in a pot over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
• Thicker Porridge: If you prefer a thicker porridge consistency, you can mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or potato masher before adding them back to the pot with the vegetables.
• Smokier Flavor: For a deeper smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke (a quick hack).

Nutritional Information

A serving of Nigerian Beans Porridge with Fried Plantains is a good source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. However, a typical serving can provide approximately:

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 10 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 55 grams
• Fat: 20 grams

Conclusion

Nigerian Beans Porridge and Fried Plantains is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home. Packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, this dish is a great option to work into your menu rotation. So why not give it a try? If you do make this recipe, remember to share how it turns out in the comments below or tag @plantfoodfederation on social media. If you are looking for other ways to eat plantains, you can also try this Vibrant Nigerian Plantain recipe – a breakfast hash. Another easy to make dish. Enjoy!