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–+ servings
porridge beans

Nigerian Porridge Beans (Ewa Riro)

Rich, hearty, and nourishing — Nigerian porridge beans, also known as Ewa Riro, is a one-pot dish made with honey or brown beans simmered with palm oil, spices, and seasonings until creamy and delicious. It’s a wholesome meal often paired with fried plantains, bread, or garri.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian, West African
Servings 6 people
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or pressure cooker
  • Wooden spoon
  • Blender (for peppers/onions)
  • Knife & chopping board

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Nigerian brown beans or honey beans
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (divided)
  • ½ cup palm oil
  • 1-2 Scotch bonnet (atarodo) peppers (adjust for heat)
  • 2 tbsp ground crayfish optional but traditional
  • 1 seasoning cubes (Maggi/Knorr)
  • 1 tsp ground pepper optional
  • ½ tsp Salt, to taste
  • Water (enough to cook beans)
  • 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning

Optional Add-ins

  • Diced plantains (for beans & plantain porridge)
  • Smoked fish or stockfish for depth of flavor
  • Spinach or ugu leaves for a veggie twist

Instructions
 

  • Wash and cook beans
    Rinse beans thoroughly and place in a large pot. Add enough water to cover and cook until soft (about 45–60 minutes). If using a pressure cooker, 25–30 minutes.
  • Blend pepper mix
    Blend Scotch bonnet, and the onion into a smooth puree.
  • Cook pepper sauce or add directly
    In another pan, heat palm oil. Add remaining chopped onion and sauté until fragrant.
    Pour in blended pepper mix and fry until reduced and thickened (~10–15 minutes).
  • Combine beans & sauce
    Once beans are soft, add the pepper sauce into the pot. Stir well to combine.
    Add crayfish (if using), seasoning cubes, ground pepper, and salt.
  • Simmer
    Let the beans and sauce simmer together on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and porridge-like.
  • Serve
    Enjoy hot with fried plantains, bread, garri, or rice.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, mash some of the beans against the pot while stirring.
  • Reduce palm oil if you prefer a lighter version.
  • Add diced plantains while cooking for a sweet and savory combo.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 14gFat: 12g
Keyword African beans recipe, Ewa Riro, Nigerian beans porridge, Nigerian comfort food
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