Benin-style Spicy Bean Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have transformed the classic American Cowboy Beans into a Benin-style Spicy Bean Stew by incorporating traditional Beninese spices and flavors. The original recipe's smoky and barbecue flavors have been replaced with aromatic spices and tangy tomato sauce, giving it a distinct Benin twist. We alse have the original recipe for Cowboy Beans, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons palm oil 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 6g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot and pour enough water to cover the beans.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground ginger, ground coriander, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, bay leaves, and salt.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and remove the bay leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the Benin-style Spicy Bean Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black-eyed peas — Make sure to soak the black-eyed peas overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more scotch bonnet pepper.
• Serve the stew with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to enhance the nutritional value.

Serving advice

Serve the Benin-style Spicy Bean Stew as a main course accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a deep bowl to showcase the rich and aromatic sauce.