Ekuru with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) peeled black-eyed beans 2 cups (400g) peeled black-eyed beans
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the peeled black-eyed beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse the beans.
2. 2.
   In a blender or food processor, blend the beans until smooth, adding a little water if needed to achieve a thick paste consistency.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the bean paste, chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, dried thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the bean mixture onto the skillet, shaping them into small cakes.
6. 6.
   Cook the bean cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the bean cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Ekuru with a Twist warm as a snack or a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black-eyed beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to soften them before blending. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for the bean cakes.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped chili peppers to the bean mixture.
• Serve the Ekuru with a Twist with a side of spicy tomato sauce or a tangy yogurt dip for added flavor.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots or spinach to customize the recipe to your liking.
• Leftover bean cakes can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the vegetables along with the beans for a more uniform consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Ekuru with a Twist as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering or as a side dish alongside your favorite Nigerian main course. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ekuru with a Twist on a platter, garnished with colorful vegetables and herbs. Serve with a side of spicy tomato sauce or yogurt dip for dipping. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make this dish a centerpiece on any table.