HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC BEANS STEW // RICH, FLAVORFUL & EASY

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are a good source of protein and cheaper than dried black-eyed peas.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: water

💰Cheaper: water

Using water reduces cost while still allowing the stew to cook.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is more affordable.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity, and vinegar is often cheaper.

Sort through black-eyed beans to remove any bad ones.

Wash the beans thoroughly in tap water, discarding the water after rinsing.

Wash the beans a second time, then soak them in water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

After soaking, drain the beans and wash them again.

Transfer the beans into a pot and cover with tap water or hot water to start cooking.

Cook the beans until they are almost soft, adding hot water if necessary to prevent them from hardening.

Add salt to the beans and stir to combine, then cover to reduce the water content and soften the beans further.

Prepare the vegetables: blend tomatoes, pepper, onions, and garlic to create a base for the stew.

In a separate pot, heat palm oil and add cured fish, breaking it into pieces to infuse the oil.

Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until fragrant, then add tomato paste and stir to combine.

Introduce the blended vegetable mixture to the pot and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes.

Add Maggi shrimp tablet and ko stew spice, mixing everything well and allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes.

Introduce your protein of choice (mackerel) and mix everything together, adjusting salt and flavors as needed.

Add the cooked beans to the stew, stirring gently to combine.

If desired, add more palm oil to achieve the preferred consistency and flavor.

Let the stew simmer for a few minutes, optionally frying ripe plantains on the side.

Serve the bean stew hot, optionally garnished with more onions.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary