Bean stew, also known as Ewa Riro, is a traditional Nigerian dish made from cooked beans simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Here's a description:
To prepare Ewa Riro, dried black-eyed peas or brown beans are typically used. The beans are soaked overnight to soften them, then boiled until they are tender but not mushy.
While the beans are cooking, a tomato-based sauce is prepared. The sauce is made by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes in oil until they are soft and fragrant. Garlic, ginger, and chili peppers are often added to the sauce for additional flavor and heat.
Once the vegetables are cooked down, tomato paste or pureed tomatoes are added to the mixture, along with traditional Nigerian spices such as crayfish, bouillon cubes, and dried thyme. The sauce is simmered until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Once the beans are cooked, they are added to the sauce and simmered together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Some cooks like to mash some of the beans to thicken the sauce, while others prefer to leave them whole for a chunkier texture.
Ewa Riro is typically served hot and garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. It is often enjoyed as a main course alongside cooked rice, plantains, or bread. The dish is loved for its rich flavor, hearty texture, and comforting aroma, making it a favorite in Nigerian cuisine.
SKU: BEA-STW-028