How To Cook Beans With Palm Oil: If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal, Nigerian beans porridge, also known as Ewa Oloyin, is the way to go.
This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite in many households. And the best part? You can elevate the flavors with palm oil, which adds a rich and delightful taste.
Let’s dive into how to cook this delicious dish!
Also, Read
Discover the Health Benefits of Palm Oil
Why Palm Oil?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why palm oil is a fantastic choice for this dish. It’s not just about the flavor; palm oil is also known for its health benefits. It can help provide essential nutrients and is a staple in many Nigerian recipes. If you’re looking for high-quality palm oil, check out Humphrey Farms. They offer palm oil in both small and wholesale quantities at affordable prices!
Contact Humphrey Farms
Phone/WhatsApp: +2348033122746, +23408137975211
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups honey beans (or Nigerian brown beans, or black-eyed peas)
- ¼ cup palm oil
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 4 scotch bonnet peppers
- 1 large red onion
- 1 large bell pepper
- 5 tbsp ground dried shrimp (or crayfish, optional)
- 3 tsp shrimp bullion (or vegetable bullion if vegan)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse the beans thoroughly and place them in a deep pot with 7 cups of water.
- Boil the beans on medium heat until they become soft, which should take about 40 minutes. If you’re using black-eyed peas, they may need a bit longer.
Step 2: Blend the Vegetables
While the beans are boiling, blend together the tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, red onion, and bell pepper. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Once the beans are soft (don’t drain the water!), lower the heat and pour in the blended vegetable mixture.
- Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the ground dried shrimp (if using), bullion, and palm oil. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
Season with salt to taste. Once done, turn off the heat and let the beans sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Nigerian beans porridge pairs beautifully with garri (cassava flakes), bread, or ogi (a fermented corn starch porridge). Enjoy it warm for a comforting meal any time of the day!
Tips for Perfect Beans
- The beans will thicken as they cool. If you prefer a lighter consistency, feel free to add a bit more water when reheating.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer scotch bonnet peppers based on your taste.
How To Cook Beans Step By Step?
Cooking beans can seem a bit daunting, but with the right steps, it’s a breeze! Here’s a simple guide to help you get perfectly cooked beans every time.
Step 1: Soaking the Beans
Soaking beans is essential as it helps them absorb water and softens them, making them easier to digest. While soaking, the beans will expand in size, so make sure you use a big enough bowl. Here’s how to soak beans:
- Pick Through the Beans: Look for any discolored or shriveled beans and remove them, along with any foreign matter.
- Rinse Well: Give the beans a good rinse under cool running water.
- Choose a Soaking Method:
- Hot Soak: In a large pot, combine 10 cups of water for every pound (or 2 cups) of dry beans. Bring it to a boil for about 2–3 minutes, then cover and let it soak for up to 4 hours. This method helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more tender.
- Quick Soak: If you’re short on time, add 6 cups of water for every pound of beans. Boil for 2–3 minutes, then cover and let them soak for at least 1 hour.
- Traditional Overnight Soak: The easiest method! Just place the beans in a large container with 10 cups of cold water per pound and let them soak in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again with fresh water. Avoid adding baking soda, as it can affect the flavor and destroy some nutrients.
Step 2: Cooking the Beans
Now that your beans are soaked, it’s time to cook them! You can use either the stovetop method or a multicooker/pressure cooker.
Cooking on the Stovetop
- Prepare the Pot: Place the soaked beans in a large pot and cover them with fresh water.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the pot on medium-high until the water boils.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover, and let the beans simmer until they’re tender. This usually takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of bean. Here are some approximate cooking times:
- Black beans: 60-90 minutes
- Great Northern beans: 45-60 minutes
- Kidney beans: 90-120 minutes
- Navy beans: 90-120 minutes
- Pinto beans: 90-120 minutes
4. Check for Doneness: Occasionally taste a bean or mash one against the side of the pot to check if it’s done.
5. Drain: Once the beans are tender, drain them immediately.
6. Store or Use: You can use the cooked beans right away or store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for later.
Cooking in a Multicooker/Pressure Cooker
- Rinse the Beans: Just like before, discard any bad beans and rinse them well.
- Add to the Cooker: Place the beans in the pressure cooker and cover with about 6 cups of fresh water. Ensure there’s at least 2 inches of water above the beans.
- Add Oil and Salt: For better texture, add 1 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil and up to 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Seal and Cook: Follow your pressure cooker’s instructions for sealing and cooking. Here are some approximate cooking times for unsoaked beans:
- Black beans: 20-30 minutes
- Kidney beans: 20-30 minutes
- Navy beans: 25-35 minutes
- Pinto beans: 15-20 minutes
5. Release Pressure: After cooking, let it sit for about 20 minutes for a natural pressure release. If the beans aren’t tender enough, you can cook them on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Drain: Just like with the stovetop method, drain the beans once they’re done.
Final Tips
- You can add herbs and spices any time during the cooking process, but it’s best to add acidic ingredients (like tomatoes or vinegar) after the beans are cooked to ensure they remain tender.
- Cooked beans can be enjoyed in various dishes or stored for later use!
Now you’re all set to cook beans perfectly! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to try different beans and flavors to find your favorites!
Conclusion
Cooking beans with palm oil is not just a way to enjoy a delicious meal; it’s also a way to connect with comfort food traditions. Whether you’re new to this recipe or revisiting a childhood favorite, this dish is sure to warm your heart. Don’t forget to stock up on palm oil from Humphrey Farms for the best flavor!
Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!
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