Rich & Flavorful Ewa Riro (Nigerian Stewed Beans)

• •2 cups Black-eyed peas (dried) (soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours)
• •1 piece Red bell pepper (roughly chopped)
• •1 pieces Scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste, roughly chopped)
• •1 piece Red onion (half roughly chopped, half finely diced)
• •0.5 cup Palm oil
• •1 piece Smoked mackerel or dry fish (flaked, bones removed (optional, for flavor))
• •1 tbsp Ground crayfish (optional, for umami)
• •2 cups Vegetable stock or water (plus more for cooking beans)
• •to taste Salt
• •1 piece Seasoning cube (e.g., Knorr, Maggi) (crushed)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the soaked black-eyed peas thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover by at least two inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until very soft. This can take 45-60 minutes, depending on soaking time. Drain the beans, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

2. 2

   While the beans are cooking, prepare the pepper base. Blend the red bell pepper, scotch bonnet peppers, and half of the roughly chopped red onion with a little stock or water until smooth. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat the palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it's slightly shimmering. Add the finely diced half of the red onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

4. 4

   Pour in the blended pepper mixture. Stir well and let it fry, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the oil begins to separate and rise to the top. This will take about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.

5. 5

   Stir in the flaked smoked fish (if using), ground crayfish (if using), seasoning cube, and salt to taste. Continue to fry for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. 6

   Add the cooked, drained black-eyed peas to the pepper stew. Stir gently to combine everything. Add the reserved bean cooking liquid and remaining stock (or water). Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the rich flavors of the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. 7

   Serve your Ewa Riro hot, perhaps with fried plantains (dodo), bread, or garri (cassava flakes).

Chef's Tips

• 💡To soften beans faster: Add a pinch of baking soda (about 1/4 tsp per cup of beans) to the cooking water. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker to cook beans in about 15-20 minutes after soaking.
• 💡Enhance the rich taste: Don't skimp on good quality red palm oil. Frying the pepper mixture thoroughly until the oil separates (known as 'frying the stew base') is key to a deep, complex flavor.
• 💡For extra heat: Increase the number of scotch bonnet peppers. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and white membranes from the scotch bonnets before blending.
• 💡Deepen umami: The smoked fish and ground crayfish are optional but highly recommended for an authentic, rich Nigerian flavor profile.