You are about to learn how to Cook Beans With Fried Plantain the best way ever.
Beans is one of the most loved staple meals in Nigeria and across West Africa. It is nutritious, filling, and can be cooked in several ways; from porridge-style to beans and corn (Adalu), or even eaten plain with bread, yam, or garri.
Growing up, beans wasn’t my favorite; maybe because of the way it was prepared but not until I learnt this recipe I’m about to share with you now. Now I barely go a fourth night without eating beans.
Today, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to cook beans with crayfish, onions, fresh pepper, ginger, garlic, palm oil, plantain, and fresh fried fish. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you have ever struggled with making beans taste rich and appetizing, this recipe will change your perspective. It combines the sweetness of ripe plantain, the smokiness of crayfish, and the richness of palm oil, all topped with freshly fried fish for the perfect finish.
Why You Should Try This Beans Recipe
- Nutritious: Beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for healthy living.
- Affordable: This meal uses common Nigerian ingredients that are budget-friendly.
- Delicious Combination: The plantain adds a natural sweetness, while the fried fish brings in that crunchy, savory bite.
- Easy to Cook: With the right steps, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need On How To Cook Beans With Fried Plantain
To prepare this mouth-watering pot of beans, gather the following:
- 2 cups of beans
- 2 medium onions (chopped)
- 1-2 seasoning cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2-3 fresh peppers (blended or chopped)
- 1 thumb-sized ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- ½ cup palm oil
- 3 ripe plantains (peeled and diced)
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Fresh fried fish (for garnishing — mackerel or tilapia works best)
Follow these steps to achieve this recipe:
- Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Beans: Start by picking your beans to remove any stones or dirt. Wash thoroughly until the water runs clear. Next, if you want to reduce gas-causing elements, you can parboil the beans for 10 minutes. Discard the water, then cook with fresh water.
- Step 2: Cook the Beans: Pour the washed beans into a clean pot. Add enough water to cover the beans and place on medium heat. Allow it to cook until it starts softening. Meanwhile, keep checking and adding water as needed to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add the Flavors: Once the beans are halfway cooked, add your chopped onions, blended pepper, ginger, garlic, and crayfish. Stir well and to continue cooking so the flavors infuse deeply.
- Step 4: Introduce the Palm Oil: Heat the palm oil in a separate pan until slightly hot (do not bleach). After that, pour it into the beans pot and stir thoroughly. The palm oil gives the beans a rich taste and beautiful color.
- Step 5: Season the Pot: Crumble in your seasoning cubes and add salt to taste. Be careful not to add too much as the fish might already have seasoning.
- Step 6: Fry your plantain: Dice your ripe plantains into small cubes. Then fry until golden brown. The sweetness of the plantain balances the savory flavor of the beans, making the meal irresistible
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- Step 7: Fry the Fish and Garnish: While the beans and plantain are cooking, season and fry your fish separately. Once fried, place the fish on top of the beans as garnish before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Beans
- Avoid burning: Beans tend to stick to the bottom of the pot. Always cook on medium heat and stir occasionally.
- Don’t bleach the palm oil: Lightly heated palm oil brings out the best flavor. Overheating makes it lose nutrients and taste.
- Control the water level: Add water gradually. Too much water can make the beans watery instead of thick and porridge-like.
- Balance flavors: The sweetness of plantain and richness of palm oil should not overpower the beans. Taste as you cook.
- Best served hot: Beans taste best when served warm and freshly garnished with fish.
Health Benefits of This Beans with Fried Plantain Recipe
Beans: beans is rich in protein, fiber, iron, and folate, which aid in muscle building and digestion which makes it not just delicious but also a wholesome meal for the entire family.
Plantain: Plantain provides potassium, vitamin C, and natural energy.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is a source of vitamin E and antioxidants (when consumed in moderation).
Crayfish: Crayfish boosts protein and adds a unique flavor.
Fish: Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart.
What to Serve with Beans and Fried Plantain
Beans with plantain is satisfying on its own, but you can also pair it with:
Bread: Age-old Nigerian combo of beans and bread.
Pap (Akamu): A smooth swallow that complements beans.
Rice: Some love beans with plain boiled rice.
Garri: Sprinkle some cold garri on the side for a rustic twist.
Storage and Reheating
Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, divide into portions and freeze. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen it up and warm gently on low heat
Conclusion
Cooking beans doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. With the right combination of ingredients — onions, crayfish, ginger, garlic, palm oil, plantain, and fried fish — you can turn an ordinary pot of beans into a family favorite.
Whether you’re making it for your family, entertaining guests, or just craving comfort food, this beans with plantain and fried fish recipe will always hit the spot. Give it a try this week and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor, health, and satisfaction in one dish.
✅ If you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends and family.
✅ Drop a comment below on how you cook your beans — do you love it with plantain, yam, or just plain?
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