Bean Dishes

Meals featuring beans as a primary ingredient

Recipes in Bean Dishes

Explore our collection of recipes in bean dishes featuring traditional and modern African cooking techniques. These recipes showcase authentic flavors, ingredients, and methods passed down through generations.

From quick everyday meals to special occasion dishes, discover how African cuisine uses recipes in bean dishes to create flavorful, nutritious, and culturally significant food that tells the story of diverse culinary traditions across the continent.

Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)

Akara, a beloved snack across West Africa, is a Sierra Leonean delicacy with roots in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. Made from black-eyed peas formed into balls and deep-fried, these fritters are a must-have at social gatherings, street food stalls, and family tables alike. Traditionally served hot with a side of spicy pepper sauce or tomato sauce, Akara is a celebration of simple ingredients transforming into irresistible flavors. The fritters are often served in woven baskets lined with newspaper, adding to the authentic street food experience. People gather around to enjoy these bite-sized treats, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment.

45 minutes

4 servings

Bean Dishes

Ewa Agoyin (Nigerian Mashed Beans and Sauce)

Originating from the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria, Ewa Agoyin is a beloved dish known for its piquant sauce that beautifully contrasts the soft, mashed white beans. Traditionally, it's served with sides of fried plantains or bread, and sometimes with fish. The beans are slowly cooked until tender and easily mashed, while the Agoyin sauce is a rich blend of peppers, onions, and palm oil, simmered to perfection. This dish is not only a staple meal but also a communal experience, often enjoyed with friends and family.

1 hour 30 minutes

4 servings

Bean Dishes

Telibo (Stewed Beans)

Telibo is a beloved West African dish from Benin, traditionally served as a hearty meal. This stewed beans dish is simple yet rich in flavor, made with black-eyed peas, tomatoes, onions, and an aromatic blend of spices. Telibo is often served with attieke (fermented cassava couscous) or fried plantains, adding a sweet and savory balance to the dish. Eating customs include sharing the meal from a communal pot, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. The dish is typically served in traditional clay pots, which are believed to enhance the flavor of the stew.

1 hour

4 servings

Bean Dishes

Besarah (Egyptian Bean and Herb Mash)

Besarah, a hearty bean and herb mash, is a staple in Egyptian cuisine. It has a rich, earthy flavor and a vibrant green color that comes from the fresh herbs. Besarah is traditionally served in a communal bowl for family dinners, with everyone dipping fresh bread directly into the dish. It is a symbol of togetherness and hospitality, particularly in the rural areas of Egypt where it originated. The dish is typically accompanied by a refreshing mint tea or a glass of 'sobia', a popular Egyptian drink made from coconut and barley.

1 hour

4 servings

Bean Dishes

Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)

Ta'ameya, the Egyptian take on falafel, is unique and delightful. Instead of chickpeas, we use fava beans, a staple in Egyptian agriculture since the time of the pharaohs. The beans are soaked overnight, then ground with fresh herbs and spices into a vibrant green mixture, shaped into discs, and deep-fried to a crispy, golden perfection. Traditionally served for breakfast or lunch, Ta'ameya is a staple street food, often enjoyed in a warm pita with tahini sauce, fresh salad, and pickled vegetables. This dish is a testament to the Egyptian love for simple, flavorful food that brings people together in the bustling streets of Cairo.

1 hour

4 servings

Bean Dishes