Beans porridge is a nutritious meal made with cooked beans, spices, and other ingredients. It’s a popular dish enjoyed across the country, often served as a main course or paired with yam, plantains, or rice. 

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Ingredients

• 2 cups of beans (brown beans or black-eyed peas)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2–3 tablespoons palm oil
• 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo, finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)
• 2 seasoning cubes (or bouillon cubes)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
• Water (enough to cook the beans)
• Optional food that can be added;
  • Sliced ripe or unripe plantains
  • Diced yam or sweet potatoes
  • Fish (smoked, dried, or fresh)

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Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Bowl (for soaking beans, optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans

1. Sort and Rinse: Pick out stones, dirt, or bad beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly.
2. Soak (optional): Soak the beans for 2–3 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time and aid digestion.
3. Cook: Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat and cook until the beans are tender. This can take 1–2 hours, depending on the type of beans and whether they were soaked.
   • Add more water as needed during cooking to prevent burning.

2. Prepare the Base

1. Heat the palm oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and stir-fry until translucent.
3. Add the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers and tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes a rich, thick sauce.
4. Season with ground crayfish (if using), thyme, curry powder, and seasoning cubes. Stir well.

3. Combine the Beans and Sauce

1. Once the beans are tender, add the prepared sauce to the pot of beans.
2. Stir to combine, ensuring the sauce coats the beans evenly.
3. Add salt to taste and additional water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Add Optional Ingredients

1. If using plantains, yam, or sweet potatoes, add them at this stage.
2. If using fish, add it carefully to avoid breaking it into small pieces.
3. Simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the optional ingredients to cook through.

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Serving option

• Serve the beans porridge hot as a standalone dish.
• Pair with boiled yam, fried plantains, bread, or rice for a complete meal.

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Tips for Perfect Beans Porridge

• Use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for beans.
• Avoid adding salt at the beginning of cooking, as it can toughen the beans.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
• Experiment with protein-rich add-ins like crayfish, prawns, or chicken for variety.

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