Nigerian Stewed Beans (Ewa Riro)
This delicious tomato-based Nigerian Stewed Beans (Ewa Riro) is a warming and comforting stewed beans dish. Serve as a main or side.
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Stewed beans, also known as beans porridge, are a Nigerian delicacy. The most traditional beans used for this dish are black-eyed beans and Nigerian honey beans, but you can choose between the two.
One thing I love about this recipe is that it does not require many ingredients or much cooking. All you have to do is add a few ingredients to a pot, stir everything together, check it occasionally, and add water if necessary.
You may also enjoy these: Stewed Gizzard Recipe, Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice, Nigerian Yam Porridge (Asaro), Spicy Grilled Tilapia and Nigerian Tomato Stew.
Why This Recipe Works
- This Nigerian stewed beans dish is filling, nutritious, and flavorful.
- This Nigerian beans (ewa riro) recipe requires fewer than six ingredients.
- There are many different ways to cook ewa riro, so you can choose from these two methods. If you are a beans fan, then you will also enjoy this Ewa Agoyin and Akara.
- You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Nigerian Stewed Beans (Ewa Riro) Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Beans: As mentioned above, you should use honey or black-eyed beans for this recipe. Pour dry beans onto a tray and pick out excess dirt or stones. This step is really important because you don't want to bite into a stone! Then, rinse the beans 2-3 times.
- Onions: For this recipe, use white onions. Chop or dice the onions as thinly as possible so that they disappear.
- Knorr chicken seasoning cubes: Chicken seasoning cubes are added to many Nigerian dishes, and most Nigerians have this ingredient in their cupboard. Add 1-2 cubes to add a burst of savory flavor!
- Salt to taste: Add salt to taste but not too much if you use chicken stock seasoning.
- Oil: to cook the beans.
Tips and Substitutions
- Add-ins: To enhance the flavor of this dish, add 1 tablespoon of ground-dried crayfish to the tomato blend. You can also add sweetcorn.
- Beans: Cook the beans for the correct time to ensure they are not too firm. Try this Easy Nigerian Rice and Beans if you're a beans lover.
- Cooking: Check the Ewa as it cooks and stir occasionally. The beans may need extra water to prevent burning.
How to Cook Ewa Riro with Tomatoes
This method is considered more traditional and includes a richer tomato base.
- Start by adding 3-4 cups of cleaned and washed beans to a medium saucepan. Pour water into the beans (about two centimeters above the beans) and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
- Meanwhile, add ½ -1 can of plum tomato, ½-1 onion and 1 scotch bonnet to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the saucepan. Add 3-5 tablespoon of palm oil, salt to taste, and 1-2 Knorr chicken seasoning cubes. Stir it all together and cook for 15-30 minutes or until done. Check the beans and stir them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they do not burn, and add water if necessary.
How to Make Nigerian Stewed Beans (Ewa Riro)
This recipe can be used if you don't have palm oil or are short on time. The results are just as delicious!
- Add washed beans to a medium saucepan. Pour water into the beans (about two centimeters above the beans), add thinly chopped onions (optional), and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
2. Stir it all together and cook for 15-30 minutes or until done. Check the beans and stir them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they do not burn, adding water if necessary.
3. Then, add vegetable oil, water, Knorr chicken seasoning cubes, tomato puree and pepper to taste (dried spicy red peppers are usually the pepper of choice in this recipe).
4. Then, add salt to taste.
5. Stir it all together and cook for 15-30 minutes or until done.
6. Check the beans and stir them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they do not burn, adding water if necessary.
7. Finally, serve these tasty Nigerian stewed beans plain or with agege bread or Fried Plantain Recipe (dodo).
Recipe FAQs
Ewa riro can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3-4 days. You can also freeze ewa riro for up to 3 months.
Another great thing about ewa riro is that it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Ewa riro can be served as a main or side dish. It is usually eaten alone, or it is served with garri, plantain, agege bread (my favorite), or yam.
Ewa oloyin in English is sweet beans. Ewa riro, is a simple beans porridge meal that can be made in a single pot. You can create a wonderful mix of flavors that will comfort you after a long day using beans, onions, and peppers.
More Delicious Nigerian Recipes
Nigerian Stewed Beans (Ewa Riro)
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 cups honey beans/black eyed beans cleaned and washed
- ½ -1 can of plum tomato
- ½-1 onion chopped thinly
- 1-2 scotch bonnet
- salt to taste
- 1 Knorr chicken seasoning cubes
- 3 tbsp of palm oil
Instructions
- Start by adding cleaned and washed beans to a medium saucepan. Pour water into the beans (about two centimetres above the beans) and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
- Meanwhile, add plum tomato, onion and scotch bonnet to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the saucepan, add palm oil, salt to taste and Knorr chicken seasoning cubes. Stir it all together and cook for 15-30 minutes or until done. Make sure you check the beans and stir it every 5-7 minutes to ensure that it does not burn and add water if necessary.
Notes
- Add-ins: If you want to add more flavor to this dish then feel free to add 1 tablespoon of ground dried crayfish when pouring in the tomato blend.
- Beans: Ensure the beans are cooked to the right texture, avoiding firmness. If you love beans, try this Easy Nigerian Rice and Beans.
- Cooking: Monitor the Ewa during cooking and stir occasionally. Additional water might be necessary to prevent burning.
The only Nigerian beans recipe you need this came out so tasty ?