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Red Beans
Original price was: ₱500.00.₱400.00Current price is: ₱400.00.
This African Bean Stew is hearty, savory, and a one-pot comfort meal.
This is simply beans simmered in warm, flavorful spices with tomatoes and herbs.
Flavor profile
- Savory and complex: The foundational flavor is built on a base of sautéed aromatics, particularly onions, garlic, and sometimes ginger.
- Earthiness and nuttiness: These notes come from the beans themselves and are often enhanced by the addition of ingredients like peanut butter or palm oil.
- Hints of smoke: In some dishes, especially those with meat or smoked fish, the broth takes on a pleasant, smoky quality. For the vegetarian version of the Ghanaian dish Red Red, the smoky flavor is derived from the red palm oil.
- Sweetness and acidity: Tomatoes and tomato paste often form the base of the stew, adding a balancing acidity and subtle sweetness. Some recipes add sweet elements like sweet plantain or ketchup, or use red palm oil, which has a distinct, nutty sweetness.
- Spiciness: Chili peppers like scotch bonnets are commonly used to add a kick of heat. Cayenne, chili flakes, or a homemade hot pepper paste can also be used, ranging from mild warmth to intense spiciness.
Texture profile
- Velvety and rich: The texture often comes from the beans themselves, which soften during a long, slow cook. Mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot thickens the stew, creating a creamy mouthfeel.
- Hearty and substantial: The dishes are often full of soft, tender beans, offering a satisfying bite.
- Varied consistency: Recipes can produce a range of consistencies, from a thick porridge to a thinner, soupy broth.
Typical ingredients
Many cooked red bean recipes across Africa include a combination of the following ingredients:
- Beans: Common choices include black-eyed peas (cowpeas) and red kidney beans, as well as local varieties like the Kenyan Wairimu or Nyayo beans.
- Oil: Red palm oil is a traditional ingredient, valued for its distinctive earthy, smoky flavor and deep red color. Other cooking oils are also used.
- Aromatics and produce: Onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, and ginger are commonly used.
- Spices: Cumin, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and chili peppers (like scotch bonnet or cayenne) are popular choices for seasoning.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (coriander) are often added.
- Stock: Vegetable or meat stock is used to build a deep flavor base.
- Additions: Meat, fish (canned, smoked, or dried), or peanut butter may be added to increase richness and protein content.
Serving suggestions
Cooked African red beans are a versatile and filling meal, often served with a carbohydrate to soak up the flavorful sauce. Popular accompaniments include:
- Rice: Often served over hot, cooked rice.
- Fried plantain: A very common pairing in West Africa.
- Fufu: A starchy side dish made from pounded yams or cassava.
- Gari: Toasted cassava grits
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